What You Should Know About Your Dental Implant Procedure Before the Big Day
It can come as a bit of a surprise to dental patients when they hear how straightforward a dental implant procedure is. While it is surgical in nature, advancements in dental technology and techniques have made this procedure a relatively minor one that leaves the patient in less discomfort afterward than you may think. That does not mean that there are no aspects of this procedure you should know about or take seriously. Caring for your mouth afterward is especially important as the implant site heals. When you seek a dental implant in the Burlington, Ontario area, you should reach out to Dr. Sam Gupta at Mount Royal Dental.
Dr. Gupta offers a patient-oriented, gentle approach to dentistry, including dental implants, which have become a celebrated solution among patients looking to replace missing teeth. Here are some things you should know about dental implants concerning both pre and post-treatment.
What You Should Know Before Receiving Your Dental Implants
When you decide that a dental implant (or implants) is going to be the option you pursue for replacing a missing tooth, there are several questions you may have for your dentist, including:
- Will you need time off work?
- Does somebody need to be available to take you home after the procedure?
- Will there be pain after, and will you need pain relief?
Let us tackle each of these questions below.
First, while you would not need to take an extended leave from your workplace following your implant procedure, taking a day or two off immediately may be a worthwhile precaution. This will allow you to rest and work through any discomfort you may be experiencing following the procedure. It may also be prudent to avoid scheduling any social commitments for a few days following the procedure.
Next, you will want to ask somebody to be there with you when you get your dental implant so they will be available to drive you home. The dental implant process does include the use of local anesthesia, but sedation is also available if necessary. The stronger the anesthetic used for the procedure, the more necessary a ride home becomes, as it will take you time to come out of your anesthetized state. Even if you only choose local anesthesia, you may be in some discomfort immediately following the procedure, so having a ride home will make the time after the implant placement more manageable for you.
Finally, the need for pain relief is a case-by-case situation. Some patients only need over-the-counter pain medication, while others may request something strong. Still, others may decide not to use any whatsoever. Most dentists will recommend you take over-the-counter pain medication, and if necessary, something stronger could be prescribed if these are not helping with your pain management.
Call our office for more information
New Patients: (905) 581-9912 Existing patients: (905) 332-4000
What You Should Know About Recovery
When discussing what to expect following a dental implant procedure, asking questions will always help paint a clear and informed picture. Here are some questions dentists are asked about what to expect:
- Should your mouth bleed after the implants are placed?
- What can you do to encourage healing?
- Is swelling a normal reaction?
- Can you eat and drink after the procedure?
While these are not all the questions you could ask, these are very common questions, so let us look at some of the answers.
First, minor bleeding after the procedure is normal for a few hours. You may be asked to gently bite down on clean gauze and then gently remove and replace it every 30 minutes until the bleeding subsides. If bleeding continues, you can also try biting gently down on a moistened teabag. This is a useful trick due to the tannic acid in the tea, which helps with blood clotting.
Your dentist will tell you things you should and should not do so that healing can progress adequately. First, you should avoid rinsing your mouth or touching the incision site with your fingers or tongue for at least 24 hours. Once a blood clot forms, touching the area could cause it to become dislodged and bleeding to continue. Also, avoid spitting or sucking (such as with a straw). This can also dislodge the blood clot.
Swelling and bruising are typical reactions, with swelling being a delayed reaction you may see the day following your procedure. It can be reduced with a cold compress to the outside of your face. This will work for 24 hours (20 minutes on followed by 10 off), after which switching to moist heat can be beneficial for minimizing the swelling.
Finally, when it comes to eating and drinking, cold beverages are okay on the day of surgery. You probably should stick with water. Avoid hot beverages and alcohol. Avoid spicy foods. Eating can be challenging for a few days following the procedure, and it is best to avoid foods with seeds as they can get lodged into the incision site. After
7 to 10 days, most patients have returned to entirely regular eating habits.
To learn more about dental implants, please schedule a visit with Dr. Sam Gupta by calling (905) 581-9912 today.
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Our Expert Dentists at Mount Royal Dental
Dr. Sam Gupta
Dr. Sam Gupta is renowned for his expertise in Implant dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. Graduating with honours from the University of Toronto, ‘Dr. Sam’ quickly garnered accolades, including a gold medal for excellence in oral medicine and diagnosis and “The Normal Levine award” for overall excellence in dental school.
His commitment to education extends to having taught at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry and participating in monthly continuing education courses to stay abreast of dental advancements. Dr Sam always stays at the cutting edge with technological advancements and has incorporated Lasers, CT scan, GBT teeth cleaning, Digital dentistry and many other technologies to make sure patients receive the best care possible.
He prioritises building rapport with patients, ensuring they understand their treatment options. Having many families from 3-4 generations is a true testament to Dr Sam’s vision of having a caring and competent family dental practice.
Dr. Liliana Otrocol
Dr. Liliana Otrocol has over a decade of experience in dentistry. Since joining Mount Royal Dental in 2005, following her graduation from the University of Toronto, ‘Dr. Lili’ has been committed to providing exceptional dental care. Her passion for dentistry is evident in her personalised approach to each patient, ensuring comfort and trust with every procedure. She is an active member of the Burlington Dental Association and Ontario Dental Association.
Dr. Swati Khanna
Dr. Swati Khanna has extensive experience in family dentistry. A University of Toronto graduate, she specialises in root canal therapy, dentures, extractions, and children’s dentistry. Dr. Khanna is renowned for her gentle touch and soothing demeanour, which help alleviate the fears of even the most anxious young patients. Her commitment to oral health is evident through her active participation in community initiatives like ‘Brush-a-mania’ in Burlington schools and her volunteer work to benefit underprivileged families in the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Hina Sohail
Dr. Hina Sohail earned her Biochemistry degree from McMaster University and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business. Then, she pursued dentistry at the University of Manitoba. Now a licensed dentist in Ontario, Dr. Sohail excels in general dentistry, prioritising comprehensive and conservative treatment. She is an active member of the Canadian Dental Association, Ontario Dental Association, and Hamilton Academy of Dentistry. She is known for her gentle demeanour and commitment to patient education.
Dr. Abhishek Apratim
Dr. Abhishek Apratim began his dental journey in India, where he earned a Master’s in prosthodontics and practised as a specialist for six years. Then, he served as a faculty member at a Malaysian dental school. In pursuit of further knowledge, Dr. Apratim graduated with high honours from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honour society in 2020. He is skilled in oral surgery, endodontics, aesthetic dentistry, and dentures.
Dr. Shakti Singh
Dr. Shakti Singh is an orthodontic specialist in Ontario. Originally from New Delhi, he was an outstanding student, earning an Indian Dental Association Scholarship. After moving to Canada, Dr. Singh ranked first in the Canadian Dental Board’s Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge exam in 2012. He completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Toronto, securing one of only three spots available for internationally-trained orthodontists in Canada. As a certified LightForce provider, Dr. Singh uses advanced 3D printing technology to deliver customised orthodontic solutions.
Dr. Robert Barron
Dr. Robert Barron earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Tufts University in Boston, followed by specialised training at Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem and the University of Toronto. Since 2004, he has served the Vaughan community and joined Mount Royal Dental in 2014. He specialises in oral surgery, including dental implants and complex extractions. Dr. Barron is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesia, and a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Ontario Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He has been involved in many research and international presentations.
Dr. Amy Yeung
Dr. Amy Yeung is a periodontist specialising in gum health. With a Master’s degree in periodontal studies from the University of Toronto, she has contributed significantly to research in metabolic disease, earning accolades for her thorough and high-quality work. Since 2009, Dr. Yeung has been a trusted member of the Mount Royal Dental team. She prioritises patient education, ensuring they understand their treatment options and feel confident in their care plan.
Dr. Elizabeth Geisler
Dr. Elizabeth Geisler is an endodontist. She graduated with Honours from the University of Toronto in 2013, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Then, she completed a comprehensive residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center in New York. In 2016, she completed her specialised endodontic training at Nova Southeastern University. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Geisler is heavily involved in dental education. She is a member of the Ontario Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and the Ontario Society of Endodontists and is in the process of becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
Dr. Sam Gupta is a highly sought after dentist in Burlington, Ontario. Having graduated with honours from the University of Toronto, and having a knack for both science and artistry, he offers dental solutions for everyone in the family, whether it’s in general, cosmetic, laser, or children’s dentistry. Dr. Gupta has won many accolades, among which is a gold medal for excellence in oral medicine and diagnosis. He shares his knowledge with students at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry.
He is ably assisted by Dr. Liliana Otrocol, Dr. Swati Khanna, Dr. Hina Sohail, Dr. Abhishek Apratim, Dr. Shakti Singh, Dr. Robert Barron, Dr. Amy Yeung, and Dr. Elizabeth Geisler. Together, they provide top dental services to the people of the area.
He is ably assisted by Dr. Liliana Otrocol, Dr. Swati Khanna, Dr. Hina Sohail, Dr. Abhishek Apratim, Dr. Shakti Singh, Dr. Robert Barron, Dr. Amy Yeung, and Dr. Elizabeth Geisler. Together, they provide top dental services to the people of the area.