It may be routine surgery, but it is still surgery. One or more holes will be made in your mouth to fit in dental implants, which are basically artificial tooth roots topped by crowns. This is a more intensive surgery than a root canal.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Deepak Komath explains what can happen while you are recovering from dental implant surgery.
If you’ve ever had a tooth pulled, then you already know what the pain will be like. Pain is normal for three days if you have only had one or two implants. If you had any more implants or had any bone grafting done, it will cause pain for up to five days. If pain persists for more than five days, contact your oral surgeon immediately.
Use a warm salt water rinse for the first 24 hours after surgery. This will help prevent infections. You can brush your teeth again after 24 hours. You may also be given a round of antibiotics. Be sure to take all of the medication to prevent infection.
Only eat soft foods for the first 24 hours after surgery. Do not have any hot drinks. Do not drink from a straw.
Swelling and a slight fever are normal for the first days after surgery. If your temperature goes over 101.5 degrees F, contact your oral surgeon immediately.
