Getting Dental Implants? What to Expect the Day After Surgery

If you’re getting dental implants, you are probably daydreaming about what it will be like to have a healthy, beautiful, gap-free smile again. No more embarrassment about your teeth, the ability to eat your favorite foods — the list of what you can look forward to goes on and on.

On the other hand, when you rewind to the present and try to imagine the day after dental implant surgery, you might not be as clear on the details. However, recovery shouldn’t cause you any concern. The healing period is smooth and easy for the vast majority of patients.

You Won’t Have Much Pain or Discomfort

Contrary to what many patients think, recovering from dental implant surgery doesn’t involve a lot of pain — just a bit of discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medication and ice should keep you comfortable, and you won’t need to use either for long.

If you to experience any serious pain, contact our office as soon as possible so we can evaluate your implant site for any potential problems.

You May Have Visible Swelling and Bruising

Although you won’t feel too bad after you get dental implants, your facial appearance may indicate otherwise. Occasionally, patients experience some swelling in the gums and cheeks, along with the possibility of facial bruising. This is normal and does not indicate any problems.

If this is a concern for you, plan ahead. In other words, don’t schedule your surgery the day before an important event.

You May Not Remember the Procedure

Most dental implant patients opt for some form of anesthesia. Whether you use oral medication, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or have IV sedation, you’ll be relaxed and drowsy during the procedure. Anesthesia also tends to have an amnesia-like effect, so you may not remember much about your implant surgery.

Take Time to Rest and Relax

The day after your dental implants are placed, you may want to get some rest. Taking it easy is recommended, so don’t plan on doing anything too strenuous. If you work a desk job, you might not have to take time off — unless, of course, you’d rather not go to the office with a swollen, bruised face.

Are you looking for an experienced northern Utah oral surgeon to handle your dental implant surgery? Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield, the board-certified oral surgeons at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, are tooth restoration experts with over 10 years of experience successfully placing dental implants.

Contact our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office today to schedule a dental implant surgery consultation.