The proper aftercare following your dental implant surgery will protect your new smile for years to come.
Dental implant surgery is minimally invasive. Often, it is less invasive than extracting a tooth. Dental implants are a base the dentist fuses to the jaw to provide a stable platform for a synthetic tooth. The dentist places dental implants in the space once occupied by a removed tooth. Although dental implants require surgery, the procedure typically only lasts about 1-2 hours.
Once your dental implants are in place, your Logan, Utah, dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your new implants. Your post-surgical instructions may include:
● Bite on the dental gauze for the first hour to control any residual bleeding.
● Change your gauze pads every half hour as needed to keep the area clean.
● Avoid physically exerting yourself for 48 hours post-surgery to reduce bleeding and prevent swelling.
● Do not touch your new dental implants or the surrounding areas.
Following these instructions will help reduce post-surgical pain, but if you do experience pain and swelling, there are some steps to take.
If you are experiencing pain and swelling after your implant surgery, consult with your dentist. They will make recommendations that may include:
● Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
● Take prescribed pain medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and antibiotics as your dentist instructs.
● Rinse the area with a warm saltwater solution.
● Stick to eating soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, or smoothies for the first couple of days.
● Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
If you notice worsening pain, excessive bleeding, gum recession, or anything else unusual around the site, talk to your dentist immediately.
The area around your dental implants is very sensitive. So you must avoid things that can aggravate the area until the area heals, including:
● Hot or spicy foods
● Crunchy, hard, or excessively chewy foods
● Smoking
● Alcoholic drinks
● Sucking
● Excess pressure
● Spitting
● Straws
Finally, attend any recommended follow-up meetings with your dentist to make sure the implant is healing properly.
Make sure to follow all of your dentist’s specific instructions before and during your dental implant procedure. The right care of your dental implants will ensure they heal properly and your smile looks great.
