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General questions
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It is normal that some things feel different right after surgery, but pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. Take special care of your new teeth, and give them the extra dose of pampering they need.
"I've just come back from implant surgery, and my cheek is gradually beginning to swell. What can I do?"
In the first 24 hours after implant surgery, it's important to frequently cool your cheek with a cold pack. You can get them from the pharmacy or your doctor. Ideally, cool your cheek for 20 minutes then take a 10-minute break. You might experience some swelling in the first three days, but it should gradually subside. In case it doesn't, contact your dentist.
"It's now been a few hours since the surgery, and the wound is still bleeding. What should I do?"
Minor bleeding is nothing to worry about, but you should try to stop it by biting gently on a piece of sterile gauze. If your doctor has not provided you with gauze, it is available at any pharmacy.
Please remember that rinsing your mouth vigorously, or sucking liquid through a straw, can prolong the bleeding. If bleeding is heavy or doesn't stop, you should definitely contact your dentist.
"As soon as I lie down, I feel an uncomfortable pressure and throbbing."
You can prevent this by using an extra pillow during the first night to rest your head in a higher position than usual.
"I have small bruises (hematomas) on my face. Is this normal?"
Minor bruises often don't appear until a few days after the implant treatment, but they are nothing to worry about. The color of the bruises will change as they start to heal.
"My lips feel dry and have small cracks."
During the first two days, use Vaseline or a cream containing lanoline to prevent dry lips. Normal lip balm usually isn't adequate. Also, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
"How long does the wound take to heal?"
There are two stages of healing associated with implant therapy. The first lasts about a week. The second stage varies in time. In the second phase, the bone grows around the implant, gradually forming a firm, stable grip. Many factors influence how long this takes and the period of time required before pressure can be put on the implant, the most important being the condition of the jawbone itself. This phase can range from four to twelve weeks. Ask your dentist how long it will take before you can apply full pressure to your implants when you chew.
Contact your doctor if you have:
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Severe pain
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Persistent bleeding
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Recurrent swelling
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Any other questions or concerns |
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