Dental implants require a surgical procedure that takes a few months to get through but the results are well worth the effort. Though we do everything we can to make the procedure itself painless, there may be some pain during the healing process. By following our at-home care guide you can mitigate discomfort.

• Stock up on soft foods: Yogurt, smooth ice cream/sherberts, pasta, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, etc. are perfect choices for recovery. You don’t want to chew on hard food to avoid further irritation and soreness.
• Don’t drink from a straw: Suction can dislodge the blood clots that form after surgery, causing a “dry socket” that can be incredibly painful. Once a dry socket has formed, it takes about 7 days for tissue to regrow and heal.
• Ice packs can help! After a procedure, you may notice some swelling–that is completely normal. Use an icepack in 15-minute intervals for one or two-hour periods to help give some relief. Never put ice directly on the skin.
• Avoid tobacco products: Tobacco not only stains your teeth but can also increase your chance of infection. This includes root canal infections. You should avoid using tobacco products for at least 2 months after your surgery.

While the average lifespan of a dental implant is 25 years, your implants can last a lifetime with proper hygiene and care routines! Treat your implants the same as you would your existing teeth:

• Brush twice daily.
• Floss once a day.
• Use antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Avoid biting on hard surfaces like ice or tricky plastic lids.

Preparation is a great way to get a head start on your new smile before you even sit down in our office. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you’re prepared for recovery:

• Prep Food and Drink: Feel free to eat a light meal a couple of hours before your procedure. Stock up on your favorite smoothies, juice, and other soft food favorites like pasta for after your procedure.
• Take Medication: You may be prescribed antibiotics to take a few days before surgery to prevent implantation failure. It is also possible to be given a special antibacterial mouthwash to use as well.
• Stop Bad Habits: Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of infection. Make sure that you speak with our dentist about your tobacco usage. There are dental implant alternatives that may be a better fit.

Our dentist will most likely suggest, or prescribe, pain management solutions. Make sure you take these medications as directed.

It will take a few months for your implants to heal enough for your permanent crown, bridge, or denture to be placed. Common side effects you may experience are swelling, minor bruising, and discomfort.

Soft foods are the way to go during your healing process–smooth ice cream/sherberts can be a great way to soothe sore gums!

For long-term care, you’ll want to adopt a good oral hygiene routine. Your implants can’t get cavities, but they can still be affected by periodontal disease so it’s best to stay vigilant! Keep up with your regular appointments and you’ll be smooth sailing!

You’ve come to the right place! West Lakes Dentistry offers sedation dentistry options! Not only can this addition to your implant surgery make the process easier and less stressful for you, but if you utilize sedation at every dental visit, you could very well cure your dental anxiety!

Our sedation options:

• Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral sedation is taken as a small pill about an hour before your appointment. It will leave you feeling drowsy and relaxed–you might not even remember a thing from your surgery!
• Nitrous Oxide: A lighter form of sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), makes you feel peaceful and content. It’s administered through a nasal mask that lets you breathe in the gas. It’s great for taking the edge off of nerves!