What Can I Expect After Dental Implant Treatment?

Placing dental implants and replacement teeth is a surgical procedure that is usually conducted in several stages. Typically, the process begins with the actual implant cylinder being implanted in the jawbone. After healing, an abutment is placed on the implant. Lastly, the artificial tooth, also known as a crown or implant prosthesis, is secured to the abutment.

Following surgery, some degree of discomfort can be expected. Patients may experience swelling of the face and gums, bruising of the skin and gums, minor bleeding and pain at the implant site.

These effects are usually minor and usually subside relatively quickly following surgery. Your Chicago dental implant specialist may instruct you to eat only soft foods for the first few days following surgery and may prescribe pain medications to ease your discomfort. Swelling can often be reduced by using an ice pack for the first 24 hours following surgery, and patients should be careful to avoid placing unnecessary stress on the area.

Infection following dental implant surgery is rare, and patients should contact their Chicago implant dentist or Prosthodontist if they experience unusual symptoms like numbness, tingling or significant jaw pain.

Continuing a good dental hygiene routine is especially important following dental implant surgery. Like natural teeth, implants and the artificial teeth they support must be kept clean. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups every six months is also important to ensure the health and functioning of the dental implants, and patients should avoid chewing on hard items like hard candy or ice to keep their crowns safe.

About The Author

Dr. Anil Agarwal is an award winning Prosthodontist in Orland Park, Illinois. Connect with him on Google+