Bleeding After Dental Implants: What's Normal

Dental implants are a common way for people to replace missing teeth and restore the health and appearance of their smiles. However, people often have many questions about this procedure, especially when it comes to at-home care.

One issue in particular that sits on many patients’ minds has to do with bleeding. Should you expect it? Is it normal? This article will give you all the answers.

Some Bleeding Is Perfectly Normal

Getting a dental implant is a surgical procedure, and, as a result, it is somewhat common to experience mild bleeding after the treatment. However, in most cases the bleeding is not as heavy as with other types of procedures, such as a tooth extraction.

In general, you should not be experiencing excessive bleeding after 24 hours post-surgery, though you may still notice a bit of blood in your saliva when you brush your teeth or even some intermittent bleeding. This is also perfectly normal and is not a cause for alarm.

After 48 hours, you should not experience any noticeable bleeds. If you do, you should reach out to your dentist as soon as possible!

Implant Aftercare Essentials

With proper care post-surgery, it is very unlikely to experience any severe bleeding that would take you back to the surgeon’s office. Here are a few tips on how to care for your new implant:

  • Leave It Alone - Don’t touch the implant site with your finger or tongue, and avoid brushing it directly for a few days. The area is beginning to heal, and these activities can lead to disruptions in clot formation and bleeding.
  • Don’t Spit or Rinse - These can cause the blood clots to dislodge and lead to bleeding. If you need to rinse, do so very gently, and let the water drip out of the mouth without pushing it out vigorously.
  • Sit Back and Relax - Avoid any strenuous activity or sports for at least a few days after your surgery to prevent severe bleeding. In some cases, you might experience some pain or discomfort, so take some OTC pain medication to soothe the area.
  • Eat Soft Foods - Harder foods require more rigorous chewing which could impact the implanted site. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid letting food particles come into contact with this area. Even when eating soft foods, try doing so on the opposite side of your implant.

Find Out If Dental Implants Are Right for You

If you’re interested in dental implants to restore your smile, you’ve come to the right place. The office of Wesley C. Wise, DDS & Assoc., LTD is here to assist Oak Park residents in getting access to some of the best dental services in the area.

Book a consultation with Dr. Wesley Wise to find out if dental implants are the best choice for you to get the smile of your dreams.