Dental implants are revolutionary when it comes to restoring your smile and confidence, lost due to missing teeth. The process is painless; however, the healing stage is what you should know about. Take this blog as a guide to the ins and outs of dental implants; you will find your answers related to swelling of gums due to placement of dental implants, tips for better recovery, and more.
Understanding Swelling and Bruising After The Procedure
It is completely normal to experience some swelling and even bruising; after all, it is an invasive process. Swelling is because of fluid buildup in the tissues as a response to injury or trauma.
On the other hand, bruising may be a result of injections and incisions made to your gums. The severity of depends on individual health; some may experience more discoloration and inflammation than others.
Usually, these after-effects of dental implant fixation (swelling and bruising) peak during the second or third day and gradually go down and completely disappear 1 week later.
Recovery Time for Gums
The recovery time largely depends on the complexity of your condition and your body’s ability to heal. The good news is that significant healing is seen within the first week post-op. That is when the swelling of gum tissues lessens to a considerable extent.
At this point, you can slowly resume your normal activities. However, in the case of bone grafting, your recovery time may be slightly longer.
Tips to Reduce Swelling After Dental Implants
Get rid of swelling by following these tips:
- Reduce activity: Take ample rest for the first few days to minimize swelling at the start of the healing stage.
- Sleep or lay down with your head elevated: Prop your head up with pillows to maximize blood flow to your gums and reduce swelling.
- Using ice packs on the affected area: Use ice packs on the affected area for about 15-20 then remove and repeat.
- Take OTC painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and Naproxen can help reduce swelling, lessening the pain as well.
- Do not touch the wound: Refrain from brushing or rinsing your mouth on the day of the implant procedure.
- Keep up with good oral hygiene: Starting from the second day, gently brush your teeth around the wound with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, without a straw. Sucking action through a straw can dislodge the blood clot and hamper the healing process. Leading to dry socket formation.
Closing Note
Dental implants offer a natural-looking and long-lasting restoration solution. If you have further questions or want to learn more about them, reach out to Irvine Family and Implant Dentistry in CA. Our team can provide the guidance you need. Visit us at 2 Osborn Suite 130, Irvine, CA 92604, or call (949) 552-1380 to schedule an appointment.