Dental Implant Aftercare

If you’ve just had a dental implant procedure done, congratulations, you’re part of the growing trend! Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. Their repeated success has made them a popular option for those who wish to replace their missing teeth without worrying about the hassle of traditional dentures or bridgework.

However, even with the best dental implant professionals, complications can occur if proper care is not taken after the procedure. This blog post will cover some aftercare tips to ensure that your dental implant heals and functions properly. 

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

Aftercare treatment tips for dental implant

After having your dental implant surgery, you can expect some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort around the implant site. But don’t fret; these are all normal occurrences and should resolve within a week. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help ease your symptoms:

Bleeding 

Bleeding after a procedure is common for most surgeries. This typically occurs because the surgical site is still healing and new tissue is developing. To reduce or stop the bleeding, you can limit your physical activity immediately after the surgery and avoid biting down on the surgical site. Furthermore, avoid lying flat on your back; instead, use a pillow to elevate your head before lying down.

Swelling

Swelling is also common after dental implant surgery but usually resolves within a few days. To help reduce swelling, apply ice to the outside of your face for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This will help reduce any swelling present.

Postoperative pain

It’s okay if you experience some pain around the surgical implant site or other areas of your mouth. The good news is that this pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication, but if it is severe, your dentist may prescribe something stronger. To help reduce the pain, you can take pain medication as prescribed to keep the discomfort under control.

Diet 

Make sure you drink a lot of fluids, starting with water, apple or cranberry juice, or ginger ale, right after your implant operation. Additionally, eat only soft meals and beverages like mashed potatoes, soups, and yogurt, during the first week following surgery. 

After the first week, you can gradually integrate normal meals into your diet while avoiding hard foods until the implant site has fully recovered.

Nonetheless, if you experience any unusual symptoms like fever, excessive bleeding, or severe pain, contact your dental implant professional right away. 

Tips for speedy recovery after having dental Implants

1. Keep your mouth clean: This is probably the most important thing you can do to help your dental implant heal properly. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day (and preferably after every meal) using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also floss your teeth daily to remove any food particles or bacteria that could cause infection.

2. Avoid smoking: Smoking can delay the healing process and put you at a higher risk of developing an infection.

3. Take prescribed medication as directed: Your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics and painkillers to help you through the initial recovery period. Ensure you take these medications as directed to help reduce your risk of infection and speed up the healing process.

4. Follow up with your dentist: You’ll need to return to the dentist for a follow-up appointment after your procedure. This is typically done about 2 weeks after surgery, but your dentist may want to see you sooner if there are any concerns about the healing process.

Importance of dental implant aftercare

While dental implants are a fairly straightforward procedure, it’s important to remember that it’s still surgery. As with any surgery, there is always a risk of infection. That’s why it’s important to take good care of your dental implants and follow all aftercare instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon. 

A big part of proper aftercare is keeping the implant site clean and free of bacteria. This can be done by brushing and flossing regularly, using mouthwash prescribed by your dentist, and avoiding anything that could irritate the area. 

Conclusion

Dental implant aftercare is essential to the success of your surgery. However, If you need dental implants or guidance on aftercare treatment tips for your dental implants, please don’t hesitate to contact a dental professional. Our experience and expertise with dental implants gives us a unique advantage to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.