The Wisdom Teeth Guru is a local dentist in Huntington Beach, CA, with a lot of experience in dental implant placement and post-op care. You know, a bit of soreness after getting an implant is completely normal. The jaw has been worked on, the titanium post placed, and the tissue around it needs some time to heal.
Knowing what’s typical and what isn’t can make the recovery process a lot smoother. If you understand what to expect, you can avoid unnecessary stress and manage your discomfort better. It’s kind of like giving your mouth a little extra TLC while it recovers.
Why Some Pain After Implant Surgery Is Normal
Your body just went through a surgical procedure. The jawbone was drilled, the implant was placed, and the surrounding tissue is adjusting. Mild to moderate soreness, tenderness, and some swelling around the site are to be expected during the first few days.
This discomfort usually peaks within 48 to 72 hours and then gradually fades. If pain suddenly gets worse after the third day or comes with a fever, that’s a sign to call your dental team. Sometimes your body reacts in unexpected ways, and it’s better to check than guess.
Cold Compresses for Swelling
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the implant site helps reduce swelling and numb the area a bit. Just wrap an ice pack in a thin cloth and avoid placing it directly on your skin. Use it in intervals, about 15 to 20 minutes on, then 15 to 20 minutes off.
This works best within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. After that, swelling usually starts going down on its own. It’s one of those simple tricks that can make a noticeable difference early on.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Your dentist may suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. It tackles both pain and inflammation, which is a perfect combo for post-implant discomfort. Just be sure to follow the package instructions or whatever your dentist specifically recommends.
Avoid aspirin unless your dentist says otherwise, since it can thin the blood and possibly increase bleeding around the implant. And, if the pain feels like more than OTC meds can handle, don’t tough it out. Give your dentist a call and get guidance before it gets worse.
Saltwater Rinses and Soft Foods
Gentle saltwater rinses help keep the implant site clean and can promote healing. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. You can do this a few times a day, starting 24 hours after surgery. Just don’t swish aggressively, because that can irritate the healing area.
Food-wise, stick to soft options for a little while. Yogurt, smoothies, and lukewarm soups work well. Mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, applesauce, soft bananas, oatmeal, or well-cooked pasta are all good choices. Skip anything crunchy, spicy, or too hot until your dentist says it’s okay. Eating gently helps the tissue heal faster and prevents extra pain.
When to Call Your Dentist
Most post-implant pain is something you can manage at home. But certain symptoms signal that professional attention is needed. Persistent or worsening pain after 5 to 7 days, excessive bleeding, pus or discharge, or a fever could indicate infection or another complication.
Don’t wait if you notice these issues. Early intervention can make a big difference in healing. When picking a provider for dental implants in Huntington Beach, CA, checking recent reviews and third-party profiles helps you feel confident about your care.
If you need implant care or a follow-up, get dental implants in Huntington Beach with The Wisdom Teeth Guru. Call (714) 542-8888 to speak with the team and see what’s best for your recovery.
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