Dental implant installation is a serious oral surgery. As with any other operation, some level of discomfort is to be expected. The level of pain experienced will vary from person to person as all people have different pain tolerance levels. However, the more prepared you are in terms of knowing what to expect, the less discomfort you will experience.

What To Expect

The primary source of discomfort after an implant procedure is soreness near the incision area. In order to ensure that the implant is secure, the oral surgeon will have to manipulate the area around your gums and your bones. Although skill and care is used during this process, it's normal to feel some level of soreness and pain after the procedure has been performed and you are recovering.

This soreness will generally intensify when you are talking, eating and brushing your teeth. Your provider will generally prescribe or recommend a pain medication for you. Taking your medication as prescribed and before an intense onset of pain is best.

Managing Pain

In addition to taking medication for pain, there are several other things you can do to stay comfortable.

Don't gargle. In order to avoid an infection, your provider will recommend that you cleanse your mouth with a formulated rinse or a salt and warm water mixture. When performing this step, don't gargle. When you move your mouth in this way, all you are doing is aggravating the incision area, causing it to hurt again. Instead, simply let the solution rest in your mouth as it will have the same effect.

Don't smoke. If you smoke tobacco products, this is an excellent time to stop. It's not the smoking itself that causes the problem, but the bacteria that is introduced into the mouth. When you place a cigarette inside your mouth, you are introducing a countless number of bacteria as well. The bacteria can settle into the incision areas and cause a serious and painful infection.

Don't return to a regular diet. Keep your diet limited until the incision areas begin to heal. Certain food choices will only irritate these sore areas and cause pain to intensify. In the time just after your surgery, it's best to stick with a soft or cold food diet. Popsicles, yogurt and pudding are all great because they require minimal chewing and certain cold selections can help numb the area.

In the event your pain doesn't decrease or go away, it's important to speak with your provider, like those at Oral Surgery Center, to ensure you aren't experiencing any complications.