Dental implants can restore a smile lost to previous dental damage. However, this surgical procedure can cause tooth or jaw discomfort for a few days or weeks, all while you still need to eat, speak, and smile. What can you do to ease the pain while your body adjusts?
Dr. Mark Civin and his dedicated team work tirelessly to provide top-quality dental and oral surgical services like dental implants in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. We have a few tips on how to relieve pain from a dental implant to get you started.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants mimic actual grown teeth using three pieces:
- The implant: A screw which functions as an artificial tooth root
- The abutment: The component that connects the crown to the implant screw
- The crown: A modeled tooth dental technicians make to look like your natural teeth
The result should be an implant surgically inserted into your jawbone with a crown completing normal tooth functions, like chewing. A qualified dentist, oral surgeon, or prosthodontist can assist with the process from start to finish.
Relieving Dental Implant Pain
With the screws replacing the roots, nerves in your jaws can react negatively until they get used to the implant’s presence. You can expect some swelling and pain immediately after the surgery, but it should be gone by two to three weeks post-operation. In the meantime, here’s how to relieve pain from a dental implant while waiting during recovery:
Take Prescribed Pain Medicine
Dental experts usually prescribe pain medicine after dental implant surgery for a set period. However, if you have some concerns about pain management and medicine addictions, you should voice them to your dental team.
One alternative includes using over-the-counter medication, which has a lowered likelihood of triggering a previous or possible addiction. Of course, always remember to take the proper dosage and discuss medicine use with your dentist.
Maintain or Improve Oral Hygiene
Tooth and gum health will be instrumental in your recovery, so focus on good oral hygiene. Remember to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste, floss carefully, and be gentle around the implant site. Also, pause alcohol drinking or smoking habits while you heal to decrease gum and tooth irritation.
Use a Different Mouthwash
Knowing how to relieve pain from a dental implant can mean knowing what’s in your mouthwash. Many mouthwashes use alcohol, which can irritate healing gums.
Instead, consult with your dentist about using an antibacterial rinse several times a day. You can also use salt water rinses instead.
Compress To Impress
Should you use a warm compress or a cold one? In truth, both compress types can contribute to the healing process.
Cold compresses can restrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, while warm ones dilate blood vessels and bring fresh blood to a healing area. Alternate between the two, and don’t use either for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Update Your Diet
Sticky and hard foods can aggravate your mouth while the gums, surrounding teeth, and nerves recover. Eat soft foods that are temperature-neutral and easy on your body. Warm or cool food also works, but avoid extreme temperatures, like ice cream or hot wings.
Recline Instead of Lying Down
Lying down leads more blood to your head and mouth, which can increase blood pressure and pain during recovery. Use pillows, a couch, or a mechanized mattress to rest and sleep while reclining during recovery.
Florida’s Center for Expert Dental Care
Do you understand how to relieve pain from a dental implant but need more help understanding the different stages of dental implant procedures? Look no further than Dr. Civin’s office.
For over 20 years, Mark L. Civin, D.D.S., P.A., has provided cosmetic and practical dental treatments for Palm Beach Gardens citizens and visitors. We pride ourselves on our top-quality customer service and thorough, easy-to-understand treatment plans, ensuring you know what’s going on.
Call Dr. Civin at 561-624-2224 or visit our contact page to schedule your appointment today.
