Have you recently undergone full-mouth dental implant surgery, or are you considering it? If so, then you may be experiencing some post-procedure discomfort while your mouth is healing. To get through this phase as quickly and comfortably as possible, there are some tips we’d like to share with you that can help reduce any pain or irritation. This blog post will discuss what could be causing the discomfort and how to address it so you can enjoy all the benefits of your new implants! Keep reading to learn more!
Definition of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-lasting and reliable form of tooth replacement that offers patients a natural-looking, secure solution for missing teeth. Implants are titanium posts surgically placed within the jaw bone to act as anchors for new teeth. An abutment then screws into the post, supporting crowns or dentures to be attached. Due to how securely their placement can be controlled, dental implants offer increased stability and confidence when replacing multiple missing teeth or even full mouth restorations. With careful maintenance and proper care, implants can last many years or even a lifetime.
Common Discomforts After Full Mouth Dental Implant Surgery
Swelling and Bruising of Gums and Jaw
Receiving full-mouth dental implants is vital; however, it can also be uncomfortable. After receiving the treatment, a patient may experience slight to moderate swelling and bruising of the gums and jaw, lasting anywhere from one to four days. Usually, this discomfort is quite manageable and will subside within a few days without medical attention. However, if swelling or pain persists after four days or intensifies over time, you must contact your dentist to assess the situation and provide any necessary treatments properly. Failing to do so could result in more severe complications.
Pain
After undergoing a full-mouth dental implant, it is common to experience some discomfort. Pain can range from mild soreness to sharper and more intense pain, but it typically subsides within 24 hours after the procedure. Any further pain or discomfort could indicate infection or other medical complications, so patients should inform their dentist as soon as possible. It is essential to adopt a slow and gentle approach when consuming food to aid in the rapid healing of the implant site and avoid further damage. This will ensure that the wound heals properly with minimal risk of complications. It is essential to follow all post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery period with minimal pain.
Numbness
Numbness is a familiar sensation after receiving a full-mouth dental implant; however, it is understandable to feel concerned when numbness lingers. Fortunately, this type of lingering numbness typically dissipates within a few months, although it can take up to a year for complete relief. It is essential to be aware that certain complications can cause an individual to experience chronic or permanent numbness; nonetheless, these can usually be detected early by consulting your dentist. Ultimately, knowing what to expect regarding numbing sensations and possible risks should help put anyone at ease when receiving full-mouth dental implants.
Difficulty Eating and Speaking
For those who have received a full-mouth dental implant, transitioning to having a brand-new smile and the ability to eat and speak comfortably can be overwhelming. Immediately following the dental procedure, some people may experience minor discomfort while getting used to their new teeth. This discomfort is typically temporary but can still become an obstacle when eating and speaking. Fortunately, there are several techniques that patients can use to make it easier to re-acclimate after receiving a full-mouth dental implant, such as eating soft foods, avoiding excessively hot or cold temperatures, and speaking slowly and in short sentences until you get used to your new teeth. These practices will help patients adjust quickly and comfortably to their new dental implants.
Mitigating Discomfort After Full Mouth Dental Implant Surgery
Medication
Taking medication to alleviate discomfort after full-mouth dental implant surgery is very important to facilitate healing. Not only can medication help with pain and inflammation, but it can also reduce the risk of infection at the implant site. Additionally, appropriate medications can prevent severe complications due to untreated pain and swelling. Therefore, it is essential for all those who have recently received a full-mouth dental implant to consult their healthcare professional about acceptable medications and dosages for maximum benefit. Keeping up with the prescribed regimen is vital to a successful and comfortable recovery.
Ice Packs and Warm Compresses for Swelling Reduction
After receiving a full-mouth dental implant, the area around the implant site may experience swelling. Alleviating this discomfort can be done using warm or cold compresses. Ice packs can reduce inflammation and discomfort by numbing the surrounding area, while warm compresses relieve pain and relax tense muscles. Whichever compress is used, it should generally be applied for 10 to 20 minutes at a time at regular intervals until the area has returned to its normal state. By using either ice packs or warm compresses, it’s possible to speed up recovery and reduce pain after having full-mouth dental implant surgery.
Soft Foods for Eating
Soft foods are often recommended after full-mouth dental implant surgery, as this can help mitigate any discomfort associated with the procedure. Choosing soft foods is essential to allow enough time for the implant site to heal properly. Appropriate soft foods include soup, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, yogurt, and smoothies. In addition to food choices that are softer in texture, it is also important to avoid tough foods like crunchy pretzels or carrots while healing from a full-mouth dental implant procedure. Patients should be mindful of these dietary recommendations to ensure the new implants are successful and remain durable over time. It’s important to pay attention to your body and listen to what your dentist tells you regarding diet and your particular needs after a full-mouth dental implant procedure.
Oral Exercises to Restore Movement in Jaw and Face Muscles
Oral exercises can significantly help those recovering from full-mouth dental implants. They involve simply ordering and repeating movement patterns to restore the original range of motion in your affected jaw and face muscles. These exercises are easy to do and can provide lasting relief and comfort within a few weeks without any side effects or pain. Moreover, these specialized movements help ensure that newly implanted parts fit snugly in place while they heal and prevent potential misalignment issues. When performed correctly, oral exercises can speed up healing while mitigating discomfort after receiving full-mouth dental implants.
Post-Surgery Follow Up Visits with Dentist or Oral Surgeon
Anyone who has undergone full-mouth dental implant surgery should schedule a follow-up visit with the dentist or oral surgeon who performed the procedure. Protecting your investment in oral health requires you to remain vigilant and proactive about understanding the importance of post-surgery follow-up visits. Follow-up appointments ensure no issues related to the placement or stability of your dental implants, altogether helping to reduce the risk of infection and possible extraction due to improper placement of implant screws. In addition, a good dentist or oral surgeon will not only assess the success of your full-mouth dental implant surgery but also facilitate strategies for mitigating discomfort post-surgery so that you may enjoy optimal benefits from the procedure.
Conclusion
It is imperative to take care of your mouth after full mouth dental implant surgery, and if you have any discomfort, be sure to contact us at the Nashville Implant Clinic, located in Brentwood. We are always here to help our patients in any way possible and will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during this entire process. Thank you for choosing us!