Ask any dentist what they believe to be the optimal choice for tooth replacement. Odds are they are going to say, “dental implants.” From preventing bone loss to matching your natural teeth to restoring bite force and more, they have a long list of benefits. Even though a skilled oral surgeon and high-quality materials are certainly important for successful treatment, what you do following your surgery is equally as important. Here are some dental implant aftercare tips from your implant dentist in Port Charlotte.
Don’t Wait to Implement Aftercare Instructions
When possible, you should start the dental implant aftercare process as soon as your surgery ends. Since you’ll need to wait for the effects of anesthesia to wear off, you should arrange for someone to drive you home as you start resting on the way. Although most implant recovery symptoms are not a huge cause for concern, here’s how you should navigate certain issues:
- Swelling and Bruising – These often affect your face and gums the day after your surgery. You can manage them by applying a cold compress onto the affected area, avoiding salt, staying hydrated, and sleeping in an upright position.
- Bleeding – This can continue for up to 72 hours after dental implant surgery. To control it, bite down on the gauze for about an hour and repeat as necessary. You can avoid unnecessary bleeding by remaining calm, sitting upright, and refraining from physical exercise. Avoid forceful spitting, smoking, and using a straw, as they can hinder blood clots from forming.
- Pain – Take over-the-counter or prescription medication as directed before the anesthesia wears off or when you feel discomfort is too severe. Your pain should begin to fade around four days after your surgery.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
For successful recovery, you’ll want to keep your mouth as clean as possible. On the night of your surgery, you should start cleaning your teeth as you normally would with a toothbrush. Make sure you avoid brushing the surgical site for the first few days.
However, once the tenderness passes, you can begin to clean it carefully with a toothbrush. Rinsing with warm salt water is very beneficial for healing in the first week. You also want to keep food away from the surgical area for as long as possible.
Rest Up
Most patients can expect to return to work the day following their surgery. However, if your job requires strenuous activity, it’s a good idea to take a few days off. You’ll want to avoid any physical exertion and vigorous exercise for at least a week. Since a large part of the healing process takes place in bed, it’s crucial to get at least eight hours of sleep every night.
Make Smart Dietary Decisions
After dental implant placement, you’ll want to stick to a diet of soft foods. Chew on the side where your natural teeth are and avoid hot foods and drinks for at least a week following your surgery. It’s important to have a nutrient-rich diet to keep your body as strong as possible during the healing period.
After getting dental implants, make sure you take all measures necessary to allow the surgical site to fully heal. That way, you can have a successful recovery and enjoy the life-changing benefits of this procedure!
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Villescas earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado. Since then, he has spent a lot of time studying facets of dentistry like full-mouth restoration, orthodontics, periodontics, and functional cosmetic dentistry. If you are interested in dental implants in Port Charlotte, Dr. Villescas has 400 hours of surgical training at the Advanced Dental Implant Institute in Puerto Rico, and he’s been helping patients for more than two decades. To schedule a consultation, visit his website or by calling (941) 627-9900.