Frequently Asked Questions

Dental implants are titanium rods inserted into the jawbone to hold a replacement teeth in place. They are carefully put in place during surgery performed under local anesthesia. The implantation usually goes well without any complications. However, in order to help the healing and increase the chances of success, there are certain instructions you should follow. For example, physical activity should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours after the operation. If a soft diet is suggested, you will need to modify your diet accordingly. You should avoid consuming alcohol for 72 hours following the procedure and tobacco for two weeks following the procedure.

Bleeding after surgery is completely normal and usually stops after a few hours. However, it can be controlled by simply biting into a sterile gauze compress or a clean cloth. It is also normal, and even beneficial, for a clot to form at the insertion site. It is beneficial to the healing process. That is why you should avoid spitting for two days following the operations. To reduce swelling and bruising, which sometimes appear within 48 to 72 hours after surgery, simply apply ice to your face at the surgery site and keep it on for 10 minutes every hour. After 24 hours, it is better to apply warm compresses.

As for pain, it is also normal to feel some pain in the hours or days following the operation. To reduce the pain, take the painkillers prescribed by your dentist or over-the-counter painkillers (Tylenol/Advil). Regardless of what pain medication you use, you should only take the recommended dosage. If you are prescribed antibiotics, it is important to finish the bottle. Finally, if these symptoms (bleeding, swelling, pain) persist, worsen or are accompanied by fever and pus, contact your dentist immediately.

It is quite normal to be worried about surgery, even though the operation is generally performed without any problems or major complications. Because they are performed under local anesthetic, dental surgeries are not very painful. Some discomfort can sometimes be felt, but there should be no distinct pain. However, pain is common right after the operation. Painkillers (over-the-counter or with a prescription) can be taken to manage this pains and antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to prevent infections and help the healing process. The benefits of the operation (fixing an often painful condition, preserving the health and integrity of the teeth, etc.) are greater than the inconveniences they cause (pain, swelling, bruising, post-surgical bleeding), which are normally temporary and manageable.

To promote healing, a period of rest without any physical activity or effort for 24 to 48 hours is necessary. It is also important to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist, especially those concerning diet. You are typically allowed to eat as soon as the post-surgical bleeding has stopped and the anesthesia has worn off. However, you should avoid chewing on the surgical side of your mouth and eat a liquid or soft diet for the first 24 to 48 hours. Soft and cool foods are preferable as long as chewing is uncomfortable. Your dentist may also prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to promote healing. If so, it is important to follow the indicated dosage and to take all the antibiotics, even if you no longer feel pain or discomfort. In the pain persists or other worrisome symptoms occur (fever, pus, recurrent bleeding, etc.), contact your dentist immediately.

After a root canal, your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold. However, this should only last a week or two. If the sensitivity lasts beyond this period, or if it becomes more severe or painful, you should tell your dentist immediately. This could be a sign of residual infection or nerve damage. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to prevent these complications. You can brush your teeth normally after the procedure.

You do not need to completely change your diet during the treatment. However, it is recommended to avoid consuming dark or acidic foods or drinks such as berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, tea, coffee, red wine and soft drinks when using the customized trays and a few weeks after the whitening process (whether at home or in the clinic). This will help make the whitening effects last longer.

Your teeth may be more sensitive in the days or even weeks following the end of the whitening treatment. Since this sensitivity should go away on its own, it is important to contact your dentist if it becomes more worse or permanent. Some discolouration of the gums and soft tissues may also occur during the treatment. This occurs temporarily when they come into contact with the whitening product. To prevent this, do not overfill the trays. Finally, it should be noted that tooth whitening can damage the enamel in the long term. That is why you should use it sparingly and make sure to follow the professional advice of your dental team.