How to Stay Comfortable and Ease Your Discomfort After Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are the most natural-looking and functioning replacements for natural teeth if you are missing one tooth or want a full mouth teeth replacement. While there are many benefits associated with dental implants, one of the downsides is that dental implant surgery can leave you with some pain and swelling immediately after the surgery is completed and in the following days. Here are a few tips that can help to minimize and ease your discomfort after dental implant surgery. 

Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

After dental implant surgery, your dentist may give you a prescription for pain-relieving medication. If they prescribe you medication, take those pills. If they do not, you can take over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin, to help ease the swelling and discomfort you feel. However, you should avoid taking aspirin, as it is a blood thinner. 

Apply Ice to the Side of Your Face

If you experience a lot of swelling or are in pain, you can apply an ice pack to the side of your face. The ice will help the swelling to go down while also numbing the area and relieving pain. 

Eat Soft Foods

After dental implant surgery, your teeth will likely feel very sore. As such, you should stick to soft foods. Things like milkshakes, ice cream, pudding, soup, apple sauce, and oatmeal are all soft foods that are easy to eat. You can slowly introduce more solid food, gradually easing your way to solid foods. 

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Lastly, you should always avoid strenuous activities for one week after implant surgery. Do not lift anything heavy or attempt to work out. Keeping activity to a minimum helps your body heal while minimizing pain. 

Dr. Thomas Rhodes of Hunt Valley Dental in Hunt Valley, MD, works hard to ensure everyone has a smile they can be proud of. If you are looking to have dental implant surgery, he would love to see if you are a candidate for this procedure and treat you. Call (410) 771-6300 to schedule a consultation.