Before you get dental implants, you likely want to know what to expect once you’ve had the placement surgery. That’s only natural – the right details will help you manage yourself during your recovery. The good news is that you’re in luck; your Grand Prairie dentist can address your post-surgery concerns. Our office gets all sorts of post-op questions about dental implant surgery! As proof, here are the answers to some common queries about what happens after the placement surgery.
“Can I Drive Home After the Surgery?”
If you’re like most patients, your first question is whether you can drive home after the surgery. Addressing this point is crucial to organizing your schedule post-placement.
You generally shouldn’t drive right after implant surgery. Most patients are sedated with anesthesia for the placement work, and you’re not likely to be an exception. Given this reality, you should have a friend or family member pick you up after surgery and drive you home. Dentists also recommend that you wait at least 24 hours before attempting to drive or operate any heavy machinery.
“Will My Recovery Be Painful?”
Another concern you might have is whether your recovery will be painful. After all, the presence of aches will affect what you can and can’t do.
You’ll probably feel some soreness at the treatment site(s) after surgery. The anesthetic used during placement fades within two to four hours, and many patients experience discomfort once it wears off. At that time (and some hours afterward), feel free to take over-the-counter pain relievers once you’ve had something to eat.
“What If I Notice Bleeding After I Leave the Office?”
Blood is often a sign of something gone wrong. That said, you may worry about what to do if you bleed after you’ve left the office.
Rest assured that some oozing blood is normal after implant placement. It isn’t (necessarily) a sign of faulty treatment, and it’s known to occur for anywhere from 24 to 72 hours following surgery. If your mouth bleeds, you should simply bite down on the gauze sponges over the surgical site. You’d also do well to avoid spitting and rinsing; these actions aggravate and stimulate bleeding.
“How Soon Can I Resume Normal Activities?”
Last but not least, patients often want to know when they can resume normal activities. Having that fact in mind lets one plan their time accordingly.
You can typically resume light activities once you feel up to them. However, dentists do advise that you avoid strenuous tasks for about three days after surgery. You also mustn’t perform any work that requires coordination or concentration while taking narcotic pain medication.
If you have other post-op questions about dental implant surgery, never fear. Just mention them to your dental provider – they’ll gladly share more answers!
About the Practice
Pecan Tree Dental is based in Grand Prairie, TX. Led by Drs. Shah, Smith, and Doan, our practice gives every patient the top-tier dentistry they truly deserve. We thus offer a wide range of comprehensive and personalized treatments, from dental checkups and cleanings to in-office dental implant surgery. Our team is ready and able to address your grin’s every need, so don’t hesitate to see us! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-262-5111.