The first step to getting implants is getting them surgically placed. It is equally important to take care of dental implants after they are placed. The sooner you follow the instructions for taking care of your new smile, the less pain, discomfort, and complications you’ll experience.
Dental implant aftercare is covered in the guide below, which includes information on the day of surgery and the initial weeks after surgery.
As soon as surgery is over, begin proper care.
Immediately after your surgery, you will begin dental implant care. When you get home, start resting. Make arrangements for a driver. As the anesthesia wears off, its effects will fade.
You should avoid vigorous mouth rinsing and not touch the implants.
There is usually no reason to be concerned about most tooth implant recovery symptoms. Immediately following surgery, you should follow dental implant care instructions.
For help, discuss the following treatment options with your dentist, dentist ventura.
Hematoma control
During the first 72 hours after dental implant surgery, you may experience bleeding from the implant site or redness in your saliva. A gauze bite will help control it. When you return home, repeat the process every six to ten hours as needed.
To stop excessive bleeding, bite a moistened black tea bag. Blood clots are easier to form with tannic acid.
Keep calm, sit upright, and do not exercise to avoid unnecessary bleeding. Lifting anything heavy or bent over shouldn’t be done. It is also possible for blood clots to form when you forcefully spit, smoke, or use a straw.
Managing pain
Ibuprofen, Advil, and Aleve are the most commonly used OTC painkillers. However, they are classified as NSAIDs. Osseointegration can be interfered with by them, according to studies. Post-implant pain is best treated with Tylenol.
It’s best taken when you feel discomfort is too severe or just before you feel the effects of the anesthesia wearing off. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging. Depending on your situation, your dentist may be able to suggest products and dosages you should take. Take painkillers no more often than every six hours, according to the rule of thumb.
Around 4 days after surgery, pain and discomfort should subside. The throat may also feel stiff, and swallowing may be difficult. Contact your dentist if these symptoms persist. The doctor might prescribe something more substantial.
Pain is not a reason to take antibiotics. A doctor will treat an infection if they suspect it.
Reduce swelling and bruises
You may notice swelling and bruising on your face and gums the day after surgery. Bruising around your nose and eyes may result from sinus lifting. It usually takes 2-3 days for the discolouration to fade after you return home.
Using an ice pack close to the affected area may help if it bothers you. Follow this procedure daily for 48 hours after surgery by wearing it for 15-20 minutes at a time and taking a break every 15-20 minutes. Anti-inflammatory OTC products can also harm the healing process, so caution is advised when using them.
In addition, you can stay hydrated, avoid salt, and sleep propped up at night. When you go to bed, stack 2-3 pillows underneath your head.
Rest well
There is a high rate of patients returning to work the following day. Don’t miss work if you must perform strenuous tasks.
During this period, you should avoid vigorous exercise and physical exertion. Also, sleep for eight hours each night. Sleep plays an essential role in healing.
Keep your mouth healthy
Dental implants need to be cared for carefully during the healing period concerning oral hygiene. A clean environment is essential for the healing of soft tissues around implants. Infections primarily cause implant failure.
On the evening of surgery, you should brush your teeth as usual but avoid touching the implant. After each meal, the best way to remove food debris from your mouth is to rinse your mouth with a glass of warm water containing a teaspoon of salt. Afterwards, follow these steps for a week. Chlorhexidine should be rinsed afterwards.
For at least a few days, refrain from using water flossers or electric toothbrushes. In this situation, a traditional toothbrush is the best solution, or if you have received one from your dentist, you can use it to clean your dental implants.
Maintain good teeth implants aftercare in the long run. Make sure you brush, rinse, and floss daily. There are no cavities in implants, but there can be infections around them. Infections can also be detected early with regular dental check-ups.
Diet should be followed
Try chewing on your natural teeth’s side if you did not get implants for your entire mouth. As soon as possible after surgery, you should avoid hot food and drinks.
It is essential that you keep hydrated during and after surgery, but do not swill liquids over the surgical site. Drink five to six 8-ounce glasses of water per day. On the first day, drink warm or cold liquids. Straws should not be used.
Foods that are hard and crunchy should be avoided at all costs. If you are experiencing post-operative symptoms, you should stick to soft foods. During the healing period, remember to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.
Within a week, most patients resume their regular diet.
Quit drinking and smoking
The healing process of dental implants is significantly impacted by smoking. After your surgery, you should not smoke for at least two months. Ideally, you should stop smoking forever. Infection and implant failure may result from nicotine’s ability to constrict blood vessels.
Alcohol shouldn’t be consumed for 72 hours after the placement procedure. For at least one week, you should stop drinking. Implants may not fuse well with bone if blood vessel formation is slowed.
Get a checkup scheduled
A 14-day dental visit may be necessary for stitch removal after surgery. However, you should still have regular exams since some dissolve by themselves. In addition to assessing the healing progress, the dentist may recommend other treatments.
You should then see a professional frequently to keep your gums healthy. It is possible to lose implants when an infection develops in the soft tissues and progresses to the bone.
The shock-absorbing system of implants is also not present. The dentist must ensure that there is no risk of overload if your bite is strong or if you clench your teeth frequently. There is a possibility of recommending a night guard.
Be aware of your surroundings
Keep an eye on your implant to see how it behaves. Your doctor should be contacted if you suspect infection as soon as possible. Contamination can be prevented by regular cleaning. Preventive cleanings and other procedures do not remove your implant.
Despite the severity of the infection, minor complications are not inevitable. They can be no more than an inconvenience as long as they are addressed as soon as possible.