After visiting your implant dentist for a consultation, the next step of your process will be undergoing dental implant placement. Although this surgical procedure is minor, it can leave some patients anxious and with plenty of questions. Read on to get the answers to five of the most common post-op dental implant surgery questions. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, never hesitate to call your dentist’s office and ask them directly!
FAQ #1: Can I drive home after my surgery?
It’s recommended that you don’t drive yourself home following your dental implant surgery, because in many cases, patients receive dental sedation to help them feel more comfortable and calmer in the treatment chair. The effects of sedation can sometimes linger for up to eight hours, meaning you’ll want to have a trusted friend or family member ready to drop you off and pick you up from your implant dentist’s office.
FAQ #2: Is the procedure painful?
Your dentist will numb your mouth before beginning the procedure, and in some cases, also provide dental sedation to help you feel more comfortable. This will make it so you feel little to no discomfort during your surgery. Although, you may feel some pressure and other sensations.
FAQ #3: How long will I need to take off of work?
In most cases, patients who undergo dental implant placement only take one to two days off of work following their procedure. However, that can vary depending on how many implants you have placed and whether you comply with your dentist’s post-operative instructions. Many patients feel back to their normal selves within a week!
FAQ#4: What if I notice bleeding after I leave the office?
Some blood coming from the surgical site after dental implant surgery is completely normal. In fact, you can expect this to occur for up to 72 hours following your procedure. Your dentist will help minimize bleeding by placing clean gauze pads over the extraction site, which you can replace to help the blood clot after you get home. If bleeding persists after three days, contact your implant dentist for further guidance.
FAQ #5: When can I eat again?
The good news is that you’ll be able to eat again about after an hour of surgery. However, before you enjoy a smoothie or other soft food or beverage, you’ll want to remove the gauze that your dentist has placed atop the extraction site. Avoid drinking from a straw, and steer clear of foods that are hot.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji brings over a decade of experience to his patients, with advanced post-graduate training on dental implant placement and restoration as well as sedation dentistry. With his wide breadth of skills and knowledge that he’s always happy to share with his patients, he has helped hundreds of people restore their smiles with cutting-edge dental implants in Irving. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.