It always pays to be as informed as possible before you undergo any type of oral surgery. As such, if you’re planning to have dental implants placed in the near future, then it’s important to ask your oral surgeon about any part of the process you don’t understand. Of course, it never hurts to give yourself a head start when it comes to gathering information; below, you’ll find 4 common questions about dental implant surgery along with brief yet informative answers.
1. Will I Be Sedated for Dental Implant Surgery?
As with many types of oral surgery, it’s very common for some type of sedation to be administered during dental implant placement. Oftentimes, IV sedation will be used; this involves delivering a powerful calming medication directly into the bloodstream. Bear in mind that if you receive IV sedation during your dental implant surgery, you may not be able to drive home by yourself afterward. You’ll therefore need to make arrangements for a friend or family member to transport you once your procedure is complete.
2. Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
Having dental implants placed is not painful; your mouth will be kept numb the whole time thanks to a local anesthetic. That being said, there will likely be some discomfort in the days following the procedure. As such, you should follow any instructions your oral surgeon gives you for managing your soreness, such as taking prescribed pain medication. Within about 3 to 7 days, the discomfort should subside on its own.
3. Will I Receive Sutures After Dental Implant Surgery?
Yes, sutures will most likely be used to close your gums after your dental implants have been placed. The main purpose of sutures is to allow the gums to heal correctly while also protecting the surgical site against infection. Oftentimes, sutures are designed to fall out on their own after a matter of days; however, there are sutures that need to be manually removed by your oral surgeon.
4. When Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
It’s typically a good idea to wait at least 2 to 3 hours before eating anything after your dental implants. Remember, you should stick to a diet of soft foods while your mouth is healing from the procedure. Stay away from foods and beverages that are particularly hot, as they can lead to swelling and discomfort.
Do you have questions about dental implant surgery that weren’t addressed here? Your oral surgeon will be more than happy to answer them during your initial dental implant consultation.
About the Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery, our oral surgeons take advantage of the latest technology and techniques to bring our patients the high-quality care they deserve. We’re able to replace missing teeth with long-lasting, precisely placed dental implant posts. If you have been thinking about rebuilding your incomplete smile with dental implants, you can schedule a consultation at our practice in Burke by visiting our website or calling (703) 425-5010.