Life After Dental Implant Surgery

Millions of Americans enjoy dental implants' durability, comfort, and beauty, making them an increasingly popular option for replacing missing teeth. Most people know about the benefits of implants, but what is life really like after an implant procedure?

At SupertoothTM, our team prioritizes patient experience and satisfaction, and we want every patient to feel confident about the benefits implants offer. Here, learn what life is like in the days, weeks, and years after dental implants.

Recovering from implant surgery

Immediately after your surgery, your mouth will still be numb, and if you’ve had sedation, you’ll feel groggy. It’s a good idea to plan to spend the rest of the day napping and relaxing.

Once the medication wears off, you’ll probably have some discomfort and swelling in the treatment area, similar to the symptoms you’d have after any type of oral surgery. These symptoms are a natural part of the healing process and gradually diminish over the next few days.

Over-the-counter pain medicines can help with both pain and swelling but only use medications our team recommends to avoid bleeding. Depending on your pain level, we may prescribe medicine for the first few days to relieve discomfort. Using cool compresses on your cheek may help with swelling, too.

You’ll also need to follow a special diet for the first few days. That includes avoiding hard or crunchy foods and focusing on soft foods, like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and cottage cheese. We provide you with complete instructions to help you care for the area and maintain good oral hygiene during healing.

Getting used to your new teeth

After the initial healing period, once most of the swelling has subsided, you’ll return to your regular eating habits. Because dental implants aren’t alive like natural teeth, they might feel a little different at first. Plan on incorporating new foods gradually to help your bite adjust. 

You might also feel a little awkward speaking at first. Try reading out loud until you get used to the way your implants feel. Most people adjust quickly; before you know it, your new implants will feel like your natural teeth.

Caring for your implants

Dental implants may have artificial components, but they still need proper care, like natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing keep your gums and other supportive tissues healthy and strong, avoiding infections that could loosen the implant anchors. 

You can brush your implants like your natural teeth using a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste. However, avoid abrasive toothpaste to prevent the implant from being scratched. If you have trouble using regular dental floss, water flossers and interdental brushes can be helpful.

Regular dental visits are also critical. These visits monitor for early signs of gum disease, providing preventive care to avoid more serious complications that could compromise the integrity of your implants (and your natural teeth, too).

Long-term benefits

Dental implants are beautiful and durable, and because they’re attached to your jaw bone, they don’t have a list of the issues that can arise with bridges and dentures. After your initial adjustment period, you can expect your implants to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, and with proper oral hygiene, you can expect them to last a lifetime, too.

One more benefit that often gets overlooked: By improving your smile and your oral function, dental implants boost your confidence, too. After all, when your smile looks healthy and strong, you’re bound to feel better about your overall appearance and the impression you’re making on other people. 

Learn more about dental implants

Implants offer plenty of benefits for your oral health, your overall wellness, and your self-confidence, too. To learn more about dental implants and their benefits, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at our locations in Bethesda, Germantown, and Gaithersburg, Maryland, today.