5 Important Things to Know in Post-Operative Care for Dental Implants

By: Guest Author

February 16, 2023

Dental implants have a high success rate when a proper treatment plan and surgical operation are carried out. Proper knowledge of post-operative care and events can further minimize complications, making the experience smoother and more comfortable.

 Following are five aspects to look at and preferred actions that help:

1. Pain after Dental Implants
2. Infection following Implant Placement
3. Post-op Bleeding
4. Occurrence of Swelling 
5. Neurosensory Disturbance

To address the elephant in the room, the most important and sought-after question about dental implant surgeries is the pain after implant placement.

Pain After Dental Implants

Research shows patients experience mild-to-moderate pain after implant surgeries that may exacerbate in females, regular smokers, and individuals with increased anxiety levels.¹ 

Implant clinicians prescribe paracetamol, opioids, and corticosteroids routinely after implant surgery. Patients should not exceed the recommended dosage as they may interfere with the osseointegration of implants. Also, with time, there is a decrease in the pain experienced.²

Infection Following Implant Placement

A successful dental implant requires proper osseointegration and effective healing of the surrounding soft tissues. However, compromised healing capacity can lead to several problems. These include early implant failure, insufficient stability at the time of placement, and an increased risk of infection at the surgical site.

Although rare, infections may occur in individuals with diabetes, Vitamin D deficiency, or poor nutrition.

Recent research has shown excellent results in healing and inflammation using photobiomodulation (PBM) commonly achieved with LASERs.³ Albeit, even an array of LED light generates therapeutic PBM responses.⁴ Individuals can use the LED light from the Whitening kit with dual light technology. The ‘red’ light for PBM and ‘blue’ ⁵ could help manage pain and infections.

Post-Op Bleeding

The reasons for post-op bleeding can vary, ranging from undisclosed underlying medical conditions to local trauma from inappropriate brushing at the area of the dental implants.

It is important to disclose your medical history and any current medications to your implant clinician. They may change the treatment plan before placing the implant to avoid chances of post-op bleeding.

Besides that, one should avoid strenuous exercise, maintain a bland diet, and employ an oral hygiene routine that restricts any injury to the affected area.

In case of bleeding, apply physical pressure using pressure packs, like a gauze moistened with chlorhexidine solution. Make sure it is done to reduce the risk of trauma to the healing soft tissues.

Occurrence of Swelling

Applying cold compresses to manage post-operative swelling is a well-known technique after oral surgical procedures. They are an adjunct to the prescribed medications. You may cool the skin from 33 ⁰C to 10-15 ⁰C using frozen peas, cold packs, and KoolPak®. Doctors mostly recommend applications of 10-minute exposures (with 20 minutes off) for the first 4 hours as it efficiently works and does not lead to nerve damage or frostbite injuries. Continuing cold compression for 48 hours can further reduce swelling.

Neurosensory Disturbance

Neural trauma can develop directly due to section during the surgery. Indirectly, it can occur due to compression of the nerves by the implant or consequent inflammation.

The size of the nerve injury will dictate the intensity of the experienced symptoms. It may show altered sensation (paraesthesia), unpleasant altered sensation (dysaesthesia), or loss of sensation (anesthesia).

In case of any altered sensation, it is important to promptly seek an evaluation by an oral surgeon or emergency dentist for proper post-operative assessment and treatment planning.

Apart from addressing these hiccups for uneventful healing, individuals should focus on long-term maintenance of the implants, brushing twice daily and using flossers to clean the gaps between gums and teeth.

Starting from day 2, it is recommended to rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm saline solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) or Chlorhexidine mouthwash after each meal until the wound fully heals to prevent contamination from food particles.⁶

Conclusion

Most complications encountered after a dental implant can be prevented by following all the post-op instructions, medications, and medicaments. A great dental office focuses on preventing dental implant complications and prepares the patients to manage expected problems efficiently.

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1. Bryce G, Bomfim DI, Bassi GS. Pre- and post-operative management of dental implant placement. Part 1: management of post-operative pain. Br Dent J. 2014 Aug;217(3):123-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.650. PMID: 25104691.
2. Hashem AA, Claffey NM, O’Connell B. Pain and anxiety following the placement of dental implants. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2006 Nov-Dec;21(6):943-50. PMID: 17190305.
3. Camolesi GC, Somoza‐Martín JM, Reboiras‐López MD, Camacho‐Alonso F, Blanco‐Carrión A, Pérez Sayáns M. Photobiomodulation in dental implant stability and post‐surgical healing and inflammation. A randomised double‐blind study. Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2022 Dec 21.
4. Mosca RC, Ong AA, Albasha O, Bass K, Arany P. Photobiomodulation Therapy for Wound Care: A Potent, Noninvasive, Photoceutical Approach. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2019 Apr;32(4):157-167. doi: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000553600.97572.d2. PMID: 30889017.
5. Taradaj J, Halski T, Kucharzewski M, Urbanek T, Halska U, Kucio C. Effect of laser irradiation at different wavelengths (940, 808, and 658 nm) on pressure ulcer healing: results from a clinical study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013;2013:960240.
6. Ho, C.C.K. (2021). Surgical Protocols for Implant Placement. In Practical Procedures in Implant Dentistry, C.C.K. Ho (Ed.). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119399186.ch18

About the Author

Dr. Fanar Swaida is the owner of Rockwest Dental in Mississauga Ontario Canada. You can reach him through his dental website.