James E Sullivan DDS
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(301) 248-8080
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Our Address

9400 Livingston Rd #345
Fort Washington, MD 20744

Hours

  • Monday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
  • Saturday: By Appt. Only
  • Sunday: Closed
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(301) 248-8080

Get a healthy, gorgeous smile at James E Sullivan DDS

    • Home
    • About
      • About Our Practice
      • Privacy Policy
    • Patient Information
    • Services
      • View all Services
      • Dental Bonding
      • Dental Checkup
      • Dental Cleaning and Examinations
      • Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
      • Dental Implants
      • Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates
      • Dentures and Partial Dentures
      • Emergency Dentist
      • Kid Friendly Dentist
      • Oral Surgery
      • Periodontics
      • Root Canal Treatment
      • Smile Makeover
      • Teeth Whitening
      • TMJ Dentist
    • Patient Education
      • Dental Anxiety
      • Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
      • Do I Need a Root Canal?
      • Gum Disease
      • I Think My Gums Are Receding
      • Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures
      • Multiple Teeth Replacement Options
      • Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
      • Oral Cancer Screening
      • Oral Hygiene Basics
      • Post-Op Care for Dental Implants
      • Preventative Dental Care
      • The Dental Implant Procedure
      • What Can I Do to Improve My Smile?
      • What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures?
      • What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth?
      • When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
      • Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
      • Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants?
      • Wisdom Teeth Extraction
    • Blog
    • Contact Us

Fort Washington Post-Op Care for Dental Implants

Post-Op Care for Dental Implants Fort Washington, MD

Post-Op Care for Dental Implants

At James E Sullivan DDS, we can provide you with information regarding post-op care for dental implants. This is the most durable and natural-looking way to replace your missing teeth, but it requires oral surgery, meaning there is a recovery process that must be taken into consideration. When you visit our Fort Washington, MD dental office, we can conduct an examination, take x-rays, and let you know what to expect from the implants procedure. This also includes what to expect during your recovery process. For more information, we encourage you to call (301) 248-8080 and schedule an appointment with Dr. James Sullivan. In the meantime, here is what you should know.

What happens before the implant procedure?
Prior to getting started, Dr. James Sullivan will conduct an examination to determine if you have cavities or infections in any of your other teeth or if you have gum disease. If so, these things will need to be treated prior to placing implants. It is critical that you start the process in good oral health. This initial exam and x-rays will also determine if you have sufficient bone density to support dental implants. If you do not, you may need a bone grafting procedure prior to getting started.

Is there anything that can slow down the recovery process?
Yes, if you are a diabetic and have been unable to control your blood sugar, it can make it more difficult to recover from the procedure. This makes it important to let us know if you have had a diabetic episode recently, so we can coordinate the timing of your implant surgery for the best possible results.

How should I prepare for the surgery?
In our 20744 dental office, we encourage patients to place some soft ice packs in the freezer. Using them, along with taking ibuprofen, can help to reduce swelling. You should also buy soft foods to eat and plan on taking a couple of days off work. Your gums will be swollen and sore for a few days, so while you will be able to work, you will not be feeling 100 percent and may have difficulty communicating like normal. If you need to work, ask if you can have light duty for a few days or if you can work from home.

What can I eat afterward?
At James E Sullivan DDS, we recommend you eat soft foods that are not too hot or too cold. For example, you should buy yogurt, soft cheese, ice cream, soup to eat at a warm temperature, and fruit to make smoothies. This way, you can receive the nutrition you need without irritating your gums. You can slowly begin to add normal food back into your diet, but should avoid eating anything hard, sharp, or difficult to chew for several days. For example, eat a hamburger without the bacon or an omelet instead of waffles. During your recovery, you need to make these simple adjustments that allow you to eat what you need without exposing your gums to anything harmful.

Check out what others are saying about our implant support services on Yelp: Post-Op Care for Dental Implants Fort Washington.

Do I need to do anything to treat the site of the surgery or my gums in general?
We will provide you with gauze before you leave our Fort Washington, MD dental office. It is natural to experience some bleeding. Before you leave, Dr. James Sullivan will ensure that any bleeding is at a manageable level, and by using gauze for the remainder of the day, it should stop. You also need to take steps to keep your gums clean, so we may provide you with a medicated rinse. Otherwise, you can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater throughout the day. You should also brush your remaining teeth, but be careful not to irritate your gums while doing so.

When will it be safe to go back to work?
You can expect to be sore and have swelling for three to five days. This is why we recommend having the procedure toward the end of the week so you can take a couple of days off work and use the weekend to recover. Generally, if you have the procedure on a Thursday, you should feel normal by Tuesday. If you go back to work sooner, be advised that you may not want to schedule any important meetings or client appointments, but stick with light work and email communication.

Will it be obvious that I had implant surgery?
Yes, for the first couple of days, your face will be swollen. While no one will be able to tell what type of oral surgery you had, it will be clear that you had a procedure. Do not worry, this is perfectly normal. While it can be inconvenient for a few days, the end result is worth it because you will have a natural-looking and durable replacement tooth. At James E Sullivan DDS, we also provide our Fort Washington patients with a temporary denture to wear. This will restore the appearance of your smile while you are waiting for the crown to be attached. If you live in the 20744 area and want a discreet solution, wearing a temporary denture is a must.

What is the recovery process like when the tooth is attached?
Once the titanium implant and your jawbone have fused together, your jaw will provide a base of sturdy support for your replacement tooth. Essentially, it will be as strong as a natural tooth would be. Since the invasive portion of the procedure takes place when we surgically implant the post, attaching the crown is not an issue. You may feel some slight sensitivity in your gums, but this will be minor and easy to control with ibuprofen. There will be no swelling or extensive recovery associated with this aspect of the process. This means you will only need to go through the recovery stage once.

To learn more about post-op care for dental implants, call 301-248-8080 and schedule an appointment with our Fort Washington, MD dental office. Dr. James Sullivan will be happy to answer any questions you have, so you can be confident in your decision to get started.

Helpful Related Links

  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). What Are Dental Implants. 2013
  • American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Implants Defined. 2015
  • American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
  • WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015

About our business, license, and website security

  • James E Sullivan DDS was established in 1989
  • We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
  • We serve patients from the following counties: Prince George’s County & Montgomery County
  • We serve patients from the following cities: Fort Washington, Silver Spring, Oxon Hill, Alexandria, Friendly, Waldorf, Accokeek, Andrews Field

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Back to top of Post-Op Care for Dental Implants

  • Helpful Dental Info
  • The Implant Procedure
  • Post-Op Care for Dental Implants

Related Topics

  • Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants
  • Dental Implant Restoration
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  • Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
  • Questions to Ask at Your Free Dental Implants Consultation
  • The Dental Implant Procedure
  • The Difference Between Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants

  • Dental Implants
  • Implant Supported Dentures

  • Find a Dentist in Fort Washington, MD
  • Implant Dentist

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Definition of Prosthodontic Terminology

Abutment
A connector, placed on, or built into, the top of the dental implant, to connect the implant to the replacement tooth or teeth.
Bridge
Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.
Crown
A replacement tooth, custom made to match your natural teeth.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Osseointegration
Fusing to, or integrating with, bone. Dental implants placed in the bone as substitutes for tooth roots form a secure and stable foundation for replacement teeth when your natural bone grows against the implant through a process called osseointegration.
Periodontal
Literally “around the tooth”
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Helpful Dental Information
  • Dental Anxiety
  • Do I Have Sleep Apnea
  • Do I Need a Root Canal
  • I Think My Gums Are Receding
  • Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures
  • Multiple Teeth Replacement Options
  • Oral Hygiene Basics
  • Preventative Dental Care
  • What Can I Do to Improve My Smile
  • What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures
  • What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth
  • When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary
  • Why Are My Gums Bleeding
  • Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants
  • Other Services
  • Find the Best Dentist in Fort Washington MD
  • Cosmetic Dental Services
  • Dental Procedures
  • Dental Services

9400 Livingston Rd #345 Fort Washington, MD 20744
© 2025 James E Sullivan DDS. All Rights Reserved.
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9400 Livingston Rd #345 Fort Washington, MD 20744
© 2025 James E Sullivan DDS. All Rights Reserved.
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