Dental implants involve surgery, but it's not particularly invasive surgery. You will need some form of anesthesia, although this will not be general anesthesia, meaning you won't be unconscious. When the procedure has been completed and the implant has been installed in your jaw, you might be wondering what to expect next. 

Light Bleeding

There can be some light bleeding in the days after receiving your dental implant. This is completely normal, and your dentist will have told you how best to manage it. Don't be concerned, and this bleeding will quickly reduce in volume, before stopping altogether. If it doesn't stop, or if it increases, then contact your dentist. Be cautious about any pain medication you take and don't deviate from the list of over-the-counter medications that your dentist has recommended. Some popular types of pain relief (such as aspirin) have anticoagulant properties, which means that they thin the blood, which can slow down the clotting process.

Bruising

In the days after your dental implant was installed, you might notice bruising starting to develop. These typically appear on your jaw and neck and can vary considerably from person-to-person. Some people may not have any bruising, whereas with others it can be quite pronounced. There are also certain pre-existing medical conditions that can make bruising worse, so this might also be a factor. Just like any bleeding, your bruising will disappear without the need for any intervention, but call your dentist if you're concerned. In any event, you might need to reschedule some personal or professional commitments if the bruising is obvious.

Swelling

In addition to your bruising, you may experience swelling. Again, this can vary a great deal in its severity, and won't always be visible to others, as it might be limited to the inside of your mouth (around the implant site and surrounding tissues). It will fade fairly quickly and can be managed with a cold compress (an ice pack). Some popular types of over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can help to combat swelling, although you shouldn't take any supplementary medication without getting the all-clear from your dentist.

These after-effects of receiving a dental implant will be very manageable, but it's important to remember that you are in fact recovering from surgery. While this surgery wasn't major, your body will still react to it, and it's helpful to have a rough idea of what this reaction can be.