The Day Of Your Dental Implant: Some Things To Plan
Dental implants are a complex feat of engineering that results in a practical and highly-functional bond between organic matter (which is you) and a piece of metal (which is the implant). Although the process is rather extraordinary if you really think about what it will achieve, your dentist regularly fits implants to their patients. But still, it's not exactly an everyday occurrence for you. So what should you plan for on the day you receive your implant?
Your Work Schedule
You will need to take the day off work since you will need to go home and begin recovery immediately after the implant has been inserted. You can often return to work the day after receiving a dental implant, but your dentist might recommend avoiding strenuous activity for a certain period. So whether you should return to work the following day depends on the nature of your employment. Be sure to request the necessary time off from your employer.
Getting Home
You might need someone to drive you home after the procedure, but this depends on the level of sedation you required. Ask a family member or friend, but failing that, a taxi or rideshare service should be fine. In any event, it's important that it's a door-to-door service, collecting you from the dental surgery and driving you straight home.
Pain Relief
You might begin to feel discomfort when you get home, as the anesthetic administered prior to the implant procedure will have started to wear off. Your dentist might provide you with pain relief, or they might suggest a particular over-the-counter product. Unless otherwise directed, avoid taking an anti-inflammatory medication. While this form of pain relief can reduce swelling (which you might experience), they have been known to impede the process of the implant fusing to your jaw bone (which is called osseointegration). A paracetamol-based painkiller will be more appropriate.
Swelling and Bruising
There can be some swelling, which will differ from person to person. You might wish to purchase an ice pack prior to your dental implant procedure so it's frozen and ready to go by the time you get home. Alternatively, a bag of frozen peas makes an excellent substitute. If the implant was placed in your upper jaw, you might experience some mild bruising on your face. This is nothing to be alarmed about and will disappear of its own accord. But still, it can be another reason to request some extra time off work.
The most important things to remember on the day of your dental implant is the seriousness of going straight home, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. Be sure to follow your dentist's aftercare instructions, and take good care of yourself.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers dental implant services.