- If you will be placed under sedation for your procedure, please do not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours before the time of your scheduled surgery. This is in an effort to minimize post-surgical nausea. If your procedure is being performed under local anesthetic there will be no restrictions on eating or drinking before your visit.
- After completion of dental implant surgery, you may experience some slight bleeding. This may be remedied by biting down on gauze and applying slight pressure to the area. All visible bleeding should subside within one to two days. If bleeding persists, contact your provider immediately.
- The sutures used during the procedure will dissolve. You will not be required to make another appointment to have them removed.
- Prescriptions will be provided for pain and may be used as directed should pain occur. Plan to rest the evening after your procedure and use an ice pack or cold compress to help alleviate swelling. Antibiotics will also be prescribed to help combat the possibility of infection. It is important to complete the entire round of antibiotics to ensure a safe and healthy healing time.
- Do not smoke for at least two weeks before and up to three days or more following your procedure. Smoking during this time will delay healing and can increase the likelihood of future problems such as dry socket. Smoking also increases the chance of infection even with the use of antibiotics.
- Some patients are comfortable enough to return to work the day after their surgery. However, please do not make any major commitments during the first week of recovery as most people continue to feel pain or discomfort during this time. Please make sure to speak with your surgeon about needing time off of work or school before the day of your surgery to make proper accommodations. It may take up to 6 months for the affected area to fully heal, but most discomfort subsides in a few days to one week.
- In the weeks immediately following your procedure, it is crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Failure to do so may result in chronic swelling of gum tissue which is the number one contributor to dental implants failing. Be sure to follow up with your dentist at least four times a year to monitor the health of your implants.
For any further questions or concerns not mentioned above, do not hesitate to contact us. We can provide you with dental implants in Sugar Land and answer all of your questions as well.