Is swelling normal after getting dental implants?
This article highlights tips to reduce swelling after getting dental implants and explains why swelling can be normal.
Dental implant treatment is a popular and proven solution for replacing lost or failed natural teeth. However, if you've recently had dental implant surgery, you may be wondering whether swelling is a normal part of the recovery process. The short answer is yes — some swelling is expected as a normal response to any surgical procedure. But if you want the full ClearChoice expertise, read on!
Whether it's a full mouth restoration or one artificial tooth, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers have guided hundreds of patients through the recovery process. Below, we’ll explore the reason behind swelling, how long it typically lasts, and what you can do to manage swelling during your recovery.
Why swelling is normal during dental implant recovery
Healing and swelling often go hand in hand. Swelling is just your body’s natural response to trauma, including surgery.
After any injury, whether it's an accident or a surgical incision, the body initiates a healing process. The body's inflammatory response helps repair tissues and fight off potential infections. However, this increased blood flow to the affected area can cause swelling and bruising.
So, when a dental implant is placed into the jawbone, the incision activates the body's healing response. While swelling may be uncomfortable, it’s a key part of the healing process and usually nothing to worry about if managed properly.
What causes swelling after dental implants?
We've explained that swelling after dental implant surgery is primarily caused by the body’s inflammatory response, but let's go into more detail.
Because the procedure involves incisions in the gums and sometimes modification of the surrounding bone to securely anchor the implant, it triggers swelling as a protective mechanism. Pulling back the surrounding gum tissues to access the bone during the dental implant procedure also contributes to the swelling.
The amount of swelling can vary depending on the number of implants placed, the complexity of the procedure, and your individual healing response. Individuals with certain health conditions or those who smoke may experience more swelling than others. It's important to follow your ClearChoice doctor’s aftercare instructions to maximize your recovery and help minimize discomfort.
How long does swelling last after dental implants?
Swelling following your dental implant procedure doesn’t last forever, and it typically subsides on a predictable timeline. Here's what to expect in the days after your dental implant surgery:
24 hours after surgery: You may experience mild to moderate swelling as the initial phase sets in and your body begins to react.
Days 2 to 3: Swelling may peak around 48 hours after surgery as the inflammatory response reaches its height. You may see bruising shortly after surgery too.
Days 4 to 5: Swelling starts to gradually decrease, and the bruising is changing from a darker bruise color to a lighter color.
Days 7 to 10: Most swelling should be gone by this point, though minor puffiness may linger in some patients.
If you notice that swelling persists past this timeline, or worsens instead of improving, you should contact your doctor to rule out complications like infection.
Tips to reduce swelling after getting dental implants
While some swelling is unavoidable, here are several steps you can perform at home to minimize it and speed up your recovery.
Elevate your head
Keeping your head elevated, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, can help reduce swelling. Prop yourself up with extra pillows while resting or sleeping to prevent blood from pooling in the affected area.
Use a cold compress
Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the surgical site can help reduce swelling and numb discomfort. Use it for 15-20 minutes at a time with breaks in between. Cold therapy is most effective in the first 24-48 hours after surgery. After 48 hours, the cold should be exchanged for total heat on the same areas of your face. Now you want to bring blood to the area, which will help carry away the fluid from swelling and the discoloration from bruising. At this juncture, the heat is more for esthetics than significantly affecting the healing process.
Get lots of rest
Allowing your body to rest and recover is crucial after dental implant surgery. Avoid strenuous activities that will raise your blood pressure and increase blood flow in the area.
Use a saltwater rinse
After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm saltwater 8-10 times per day, which can promote healing and reduce swelling. Saltwater helps cleanse the surgical site and prevents bacteria from accumulating, reducing the risk of infection. Rinsing with mouthwash and saltwater will also sweeten your breath, as the open wound produces an odor if not kept clean.
How do I know if my dental implant is healing correctly?
There are several signs that your dental implant incision is healing properly. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal in the first few days, but these should improve steadily over time. The implant site should appear to be clean, and there should be minimal bleeding a couple days after surgery. Every day you should be less and less aware of the surgery site.
When to see a doctor
If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection like pus or fever, contact your doctor immediately. These could be signs of complications and may require prompt treatment.
Learn more about dental implant aftercare
If you're curious about dental implant treatment but want more information about the recovery and aftercare process, the best way to learn is to contact ClearChoice for your free consultation. Our experienced and empathetic doctors will be there for you, every step of the way.