Oral Surgery- Pain Management After Implants

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

As with many dental implant procedures, some patients are often concerned about the oral surgery and the pain management expectations, afterwards. These are completely reasonable concerns, because the truth is, patients will often experience some degree of pain or discomfort after a procedure. However, none of the pain is debilitating, and there are many steps you can take that will increase your comfort level while healing.

Recovery After Dental Implants

The degree of associated pain or discomfort during recovery after dental implants is mainly determined by a few primary factors, including the number of implants needed, and the overall extent of the surgery. Still, each individual reacts differently to the same procedure, so there’s no guaranteed way to determine exactly how you may feel.

During the dental implant procedure, you’ll have the benefit of anesthesia, which generally lasts between 2 to 4 hours beyond the surgery. Once that wears off, you’ll most likely experience soreness or tenderness at the implant site lasting as long as 10 days to 2 weeks. This is completely normal, and is almost guaranteed to happen to some extent.

Fortunately, there are several ways to go about dental surgery pain relief, and some of them don’t even require certain prescriptions for medications. During your dental implant surgery recovery, you tend to get a better sense of the pain severity after a couple days following the procedure. Your care giver at Dr. Mario Garita Dental Experience MP will prescribe appropriate pain medications for you before you leave his office.

 Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic) increases your body’s pain tolerance, but it doesn’t do much for the inflammation. Side effects are rare, though liver damage can happen if the dose is too high or if taken with alcohol.

NSAIDs such as Advil, Motrin, or generic brands work to decrease pain, fever, and inflammation. Naproxen (Aleve or generic) act cellularly to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as fever. Side effects can include gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach upset if high doses are taken. Be sure to take NSAIDs on a full stomach.

Opioids (narcotics such as oxycodone and Vicodin) change the pain signals in your brain. Common side effects that diminish over time include dizziness, drowsiness, and depressed breathing. Constipation is another common side effect. More severe side effects include addiction, so Dr. Garita will be cautious about prescribing an opioid.

The doctors at Mario Garita Dental Experience MP may prescribe an opioid and NSAID combo to combat pain and inflammation. Dosages are staggered to allow the two drugs to act for extended pain relief.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural, non-psychoactive component of cannabis. A holistic alternative to prescription and OTC medications for pain relief, CBD offers the benefits of NSAIDs and opioids without the usual side effects. Studies show that CBD reduces chronic pain as well as the pain of surgical incisions. CBD is also an effective anti-inflammatory.

An old-fashioned remedy, ice is still an effective treatment for inflammation and the pain that results from it. An ice pack held to the affected area for 10 – 15 minutes at a time will help reduce inflammation and swelling while providing temporary pain relief. That’s especially true within the first 24 hours post-surgery.

If you are particularly sensitive to pain or think the medication prescribed isn’t right for you, give us a call to discuss your concerns before your appointment.

At the Dental Experience, your comfort is our top priority. Don’t hesitate to schedule your next dental implant procedure, to get the smile you desire.

Our top priority is your comfort. Make your appointment now!!!

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