Bleeding After Dental Implants: What's Normal

A dental implant is a common procedure done to replace missing teeth. The implant will look and function just like one of your natural teeth, meaning that it can restore the full health and appearance of your smile.

However, the recovery process following a dental implant can take as much as 6 months, as the gums and bone have to heal around the metal post. Some side effects can be expected especially right after the procedure, such as bleeding. But how much bleeding will there be?

Some Bleeding Is Perfectly Normal

You can experience mild bleeding, particularly in the first 24 hours after getting the implant. Usually, people will notice a slightly more pink hue in their saliva or even traces of blood around the implant site. It will usually go away in 1-2 days as the gum tissue continues to heal, but accidentally poking the site with food can lead to some bleeding as well.

You should be careful and not eat on the side of your implant for a few days, to prevent causing harm to the area by mistake. 

If you experience severe bleeding, contact your dentist right away, as the implant needs to be inspected at once. You can bite down on a gauze to control the bleeding until you reach your appointment. 

What Other Side Effects Can You Expect?

People who recently got a dental implant may also experience these common side effects:

• Pain - You likely won’t feel any pain right away because you’ll still be under the anesthetic. However, once it wears off, you may start feeling sore especially if you touch the area. Usually, over-the-counter medications can effectively manage the pain, and your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection;
  

• Swelling - This is a sign the area is healing, so it’s not normally a cause for alarm. You can take some anti-inflammatory drugs to help the swelling go down, or apply an ice bag to your cheeks.
  

Just like the case of mild bleeding, the pain and swelling usually get better with time, and most people stop experiencing them just a few days after surgery.

How to Care for Your New Implant

Good dental hygiene is essential while your site is healing, but you’ll also need to take certain precautions not to disturb your implant site:

• Chewing food on the other side
• Eating soft foods in the first days
• Gently clean your site with saline water
• Not brushing the site directly right after surgery
  

Interested in Dental Implants?

If you’re dealing with missing teeth, our team at Academy Dental Care can help you see if dental implants are the right solution for you! Our expert dental services can address all your dental needs.

Book a consultation with Dr. Thomas O'Shea now to see what are your best options to restore the health of your smile!