Dealing With Discomfort During And After Dental Implant Surgery
When some people imagine the dental implant process, it can bring to mind fears that are usually unwarranted. Dental implant surgeries have been performed for many years, and the techniques and sedation methods used can guarantee that patients experience the very minimum of discomfort during and after the procedure. To get a better idea of what to expect in terms of discomfort during and after the implant process, read on.
During the Dental Implant Procedure
You will have discussed sedation options with your dentist prior to the day of the procedure. There are choices available for every person — from the anxious to the laid-back. At a minimum, patients will have a local anesthetic applied to the area of the implant. If you've had a filling done, you've had local anesthesia. Some practitioners are so adept at numbing injections that you barely feel a prick. If needed, more local anesthesia will be added during the process. If you become uncomfortable at any point, use a prearranged signal, such as a raised finger, to let the dentist know about it.
For those who are nervous about the procedure, sedatives are available. They can be taken an hour or so prior and help give you a feeling of calm. If you are more than a little anxious about this or any dental procedure, you can also have general anesthesia during the entire procedure. This puts you to sleep, and you won't even know what's happening during the procedure.
Pain After the Dental Implant Surgery
It's important to follow all post-surgery instructions. In most cases, these instructions protect your new implant and help you avoid complications and discomfort. Take any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics and pain meds, as directed. Once the numbing anesthesia wears off (usually, a couple of hours), you may experience some discomfort for the first time.
Other Side Effects to Expect
Along with some discomfort near the implant site, don't be surprised if it extends to other areas of your face. You might, for example, feel some pain around your jaw, cheek, and even up to the eye area if the implant is on your upper teeth. Some bruising on the gums and perhaps even on the outside of your mouth area is perfectly normal and should fade quickly. Minor swelling of those same areas can occur and is nothing to be concerned about. Some minor bleeding from the surgery site is very common. You may be told to bite down on some gauze pads (gently!) when bleeding occurs.
Call the Dentist
If you are still in pain and it's been a few weeks or if the bleeding goes on past a few days, phone your dental office right away. If your temperature rises and you begin to feel generally unwell, phone the dentist and go to the emergency room. Infections from implants are extremely rare, as are most complications of surgery.
Speak to a general dentist at a clinic like Brookside Dental Associates to learn more.
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