The process of placing dental implants involves incisions in the gums and drilling into the jawbone. Because of this, some level of bleeding is a normal and expected side effect of dental implant surgery. At Elite Smiles of Pflugerville in Pflugerville, TX, Dr. Lakshay Sharma helps create and restore beautiful, functional smiles using dental implants. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what to expect during and after dental implant surgery, including how much bleeding is considered normal and what to do if you experience excessive or prolonged bleeding with dental implants.
Dental implants are titanium screws, or posts, that are surgically implanted into a person’s jaw. To begin, an incision is made in the gum. Then, a small hole is drilled into the jawbone, and the screw is inserted. Over the next several months, the implanted post will integrate with the bone. Once the implant is considered fully integrated and stable, a custom restoration – such as a crown – will be connected to the implant via an abutment.
Following the placement of dental implants, patients should expect some level of discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Dental implant aftercare is extremely important for avoiding complications, including mucositis, dry socket, infection, and delayed healing. Using a cold compress, sleeping with your head elevated, and modifying your diet can help to mitigate the side effects of dental implant surgery.
After your dental implant surgery, it is best to stick to soft foods that are either cold or lukewarm. Hot foods can exacerbate your symptoms and lead to other complications. Ideal foods to eat after dental implant surgery include:
One important note about eating after dental implant surgery is to avoid using a straw. Behaviors involving suction, like drinking through a straw and smoking a cigarette, can dislodge blood clots and lead to a painful complication known as dry socket.
Almost immediately after dental implants are placed, patients should expect bleeding and/or oozing at the insertion sites. To encourage the blood to clot, patients will keep gauze in place. The gauze should be changed every few hours, or when it becomes soaked through, for up to three days. At this time, blood clots should have developed, and active bleeding should have ceased for the most part. Very slight oozing or blood-tinged saliva may linger for a few more days. If you continue to bleed more than 72 hours after your dental implant surgery, or if your bleeding is excessive and uncontrollable in the first few days after your procedure, contact our office right away. While complications following dental implant surgery are relatively rare, it is important to address them as early as possible in order to prevent further problems.
With dental implants, your teeth can finally look – and function – the way you want them to. For more information on the remarkable transformations that are possible with dental implants, call Elite Smiles of Pflugerville to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Pflugerville, TX dental implant provider Dr. Lakshay Sharma today.
