Getting dental implants from Tuttle Family Dentistry is a great long-term investment in your oral health and well-being. But, like any other type of dental surgery, it will take some time to fully heal and enjoy your new smile. Wondering what to expect after you get dental implants in Colorado Springs? Read on for a quick overview of what to expect.
What To Expect Immediately After Surgery
Right after your surgery, your implant site will be bleeding. Dr. Tuttle or Dr. Bryant will place a gauze pack over the area. You may need to switch to a new one once or twice until bleeding slows and stops.
You will start to feel some pain and discomfort once your numbing and sedation wear off. You can take any prescribed medication or take over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen to help with pain. Icing the outside of your mouth may also help with discomfort.
If you’re hungry, you can eat as soon as your numbing wears off. You’ll want to stick to soft or liquid foods, since these will be the easiest to chew and eat. You shouldn’t brush your implant site, but you can brush your other teeth normally. You can rinse your implant site with a salt water rinse or a prescription mouth rinse.
What To Expect 24-72 Hours After Surgery
Your pain will usually begin to subside during this time as your mouth heals. You may notice pink-tinged saliva or a few spots of blood, but your mouth should not be bleeding heavily. You should continue to avoid heavy exertion and exercise.
You can continue brushing your teeth and rinsing the implant site. Do not smoke or use a straw for at least 72 hours after your surgery. Take any medication as prescribed by Dr. Tuttle or Dr. Bryant. Continue eating soft foods.
What To Expect 3-7 Days After Surgery
During this time, symptoms like pain, swelling, and discomfort should start to decrease quite a bit. You can start eating slightly firmer foods, like scrambled eggs, soft pasta, and mashed potatoes. You can also get back to exercise, if you want. You can usually start brushing the implant site gently within about five days of your surgery.
What To Expect 1-2 Weeks After Surgery
Most patients experience significant improvements after about a week after implant surgery. You can start reintroducing even more foods into your diet. You can start brushing normally, too, though we recommend avoiding electric toothbrushes for about two weeks.
After two weeks, your implant site should feel completely normal. Also, depending on your case, you may need to come to our office for follow-ups within a week or two after your surgery. Make sure to come and see Dr. Tuttle or Dr. Bryant as directed so that we can check on your recovery, and take the necessary next steps to create your implant restoration.
Come To Tuttle Family Dentistry For Dental Implants In Colorado Springs
Overall, the dental implant recovery process is faster and simpler than recovering from some other dental surgeries, such as tooth extractions. As long as you follow the instructions given to you by the team at Tuttle Family Dentistry, you’ll be back to your normal routine in no time at all.
Interested in permanently restoring your smile in Colorado Springs? We’ve got you covered. Contact Tuttle Family Dentistry online or give us a call at (719) 282-6636 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tuttle or Dr. Bryant, and take the first steps toward a healthier mouth.
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