Having dental implants inserted is a surgical procedure, so when you arrive home, your mouth is going to be a bit sore. It's helpful to know just what to expect in the hours, days and weeks following your surgery, as well as how best to deal with any soreness and pain you experience. Here's a look.

What will your mouth feel like after the surgery?

Since anesthesia is used during the surgery, you will be numb for a while after the surgery. However, as the anesthesia begins to wear off in the hours that follow, your mouth will begin to feel sore. There will be two kinds of soreness: tissue soreness from the incisions in your gums, and a deeper soreness in your jaw from the pressure of the implants.

After the surgery, you will likely have gauze packed in your mouth to absorb the blood. Your dentist will likely advise that you change this gauze every hour or two until you are no longer bleeding. When you remove the gauze, you'll feel the roughness of the areas where your gums were cut open to insert the implants. Try to avoid tracing these areas with your tongue, as this may cause excessive irritation.

How can you keep pain under control?

Your dentist will either prescribe a pain reliever or recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Try to take your first dose before the anesthesia wears off, as this will keep the pain at bay more effectively. Do not take a larger dose than your dentist recommends. If you need additional pain relief, try these strategies:

• Holding an ice pack or a pack of frozen veggies against your cheek
• Sipping on a cold beverage like a smoothie (don't use a straw as this may disrupt blood clots)
• Rinsing your mouth out with saltwater (this helps alleviate inflammation and prevent infection)

What other precautions should you take?

During the first few days after surgery, stick to very soft foods like yogurt, pudding, smoothies, and soups. Once the majority of the pain has subsided, which should take anywhere from a couple of days until a week, you can add some foods that require a bit more chewing like cooked veggies, pasta, fish, and cheese. Your dentist will tell you when it is safe to return to your normal diet.

One of your goals should be to promote rapid and effective healing. To achieve this goal, make sure you avoid smoking, as it can impede the healing process. When you brush your teeth, be very gentle when you address the healing sites. Make sure you get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated by making sure you drink plenty of water.

For more information, contact Renovo Endodontic Studio or a similar location.