Fixing implant teeth is a good method of tooth replacement for a variety of reasons. Fixed implant teeth ensure a long-term solution and a healthy smile while preventing jaw bone loss. The implants are secured through a surgical procedure performed under local anesthetic or conscious sedation. When the anesthesia wears off, you may experience minor discomfort such as bruising, soreness, swelling, and pain at the implant site.
Meanwhile, the level of pain differs from person to person depending on factors such as implant site, surgical intricacy, patient health issues, and so on. Such side effects are normal in the early stages of recovery and may disappear as the implant heals.
Fortunately, there are methods to control dental implant pain at home, which are covered in this piece. Here are some suggestions for reducing pain after receiving implants.
1. Limit physical activities
Doing intense work or exercising immediately after dental implant surgery raises blood pressure. It is followed by unneeded bleeding, which destroys blood clots and prolongs the healing process. As a result, you should refrain from engaging in any physical activity for a few days after the implants have been installed.
We advise our patients to relax completely on the day of their implants. Furthermore, even if you feel OK, avoid strenuous exercise for the first three days after surgery.
2. Cold Compress
Applying ice packs to sore places is a well-known treatment for a variety of dental problems. This is also suggested for reducing aching discomfort in implants. The cold compress we use reduces the warmth and calms the pounding nerves in the treated area. This finally alleviates discomfort and edema in the implanted area.
For the first two days after surgery, dental professionals recommend applying ice packs for 15 minutes at regular intervals.
3. Don’t forget the prescribed medications
For 2 to 3 days following the implant operation, dental doctors recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen or pain reliever drugs like Analgesics. Taking such pills according to the recommendations and dosage will keep the pain at bay.
4. Wash your mouth with warm water and baking soda
During the healing time, you should modify your dental hygiene routine slightly. Brushing or flossing around the implant teeth may cause blood clots to form. Meanwhile, poor oral hygiene practices raise the possibility of microorganisms accumulating over the implant-fixed region.
Microbes interfere with the healing process and can cause pain in implant teeth. As a result, we recommend cleansing your mouth with a mix of lukewarm water and baking soda.
In a cup of warm water, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Soak your mouth for a few minutes in this solution. Swish or rinse your mouth with this combination to avoid dislodging the blood clots that have formed.
A few minutes of daily mouth washing with a baking soda solution will help you get rid of pain and keep the implant teeth free of bacterial infection.
5. Eat soft foods
During the healing time, the dentist advises that patients eat soft meals and drink liquids.
The pressure applied when biting and chewing hard meals weakens the anchor support. In addition, soft foods can help with pain relief.
Replace your diet menu of acidic, spicy, and hard foods with soft foods such as curd rice, mashed fruits, and nutrient-rich foods.
Bottom line
If you follow your dentist's post-operative recommendations, your recovery time after implant surgery will be reasonably short and risk-free. Pain, swelling, and bruising are common adverse effects of having implants and usually go away within a few days.
If you discover that the pain has risen or that the amount of discomfort has remained constant for several weeks, you may be in danger of infection. You should see your dentist at least once.