After your dental implant oral surgery, it is essential to ensure you follow the proper post surgical care procedures given to you by your dental team. Once you arrive home after receiving your dental implants it is important not to disturb the gum line or surgery site. Swelling generally reaches its’ peak within the first 48 hours. Ice packs may become your new best friend during this phase. Make sure you cover your ice pack with a towel before applying to your face. For best results, place the ice pack adjacent to the surgical area for intervals of 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off during the first twelve to twenty-four hours.
Key Healing Tips For Dental Implants
Regardless, if you have a single dental implant, full All-On-Four arches or a dental implant bridge, there are key tips to consider in order not to disturb the surgical site. Avoid using a straw, smoking cigarettes or making a sucking or inhaling motion as this can disrupt your clotting process and cause bleeding to occur. Avoid vigorous swishing or rinsing and spitting as this can cause fresh clots to become dislodged. If you do smoke, it is recommended to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before resuming. Smoking can drastically delay the healing process. Plan to rest after your dental implants and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days. Take lots of naps if possible!
Avoid Disturbing the Surgical Site With Your Tongue
Your mouth is going to feel a bit different initially, and it is natural that you will want to look around or investigate with your tongue. It is important to remind yourself to ignore these tendencies as it is may lead to stitches becoming loose, accidentally opening up the incision. This can introduce bacteria to the area and delay healing. Something as simple as using your fingers to pull away the lip to look at the incision can be enough to disturb the site and cause bleeding to occur.
Brushing Remaining Teeth Post Surgery
The day after your dental implant surgery, you can begin brushing your remaining teeth with extra special care. Be sure to avoid the surgical area. Soften the bristles ahead of brushing by rinsing your toothbrush under hot water. Ensure you rely on gentle strokes and avoid vigorous brushing.
Salt Water Swish
Your dentist will give you a timeline to follow for post-operative care. Follow your salt water rinsing instructions of using half a teaspoon of salt with one cup of water every two to three hours for several days. Gradually lessen to rinsing three or four times a day for the following two weeks. It is essential to minimize the potential for bacteria buildup by keeping the mouth clean.
Nutritious Soft Food Diet
Keep up with healthy foods during your healing for best results. Vitamins and minerals are vital for your health and well-being. Learn how to love soups, purees, mashed potatoes and shakes that you can enjoy with a spoon instead of a straw. Ensure you are drinking enough water and staying hydrated. Do not have any sugary, carbonated beverages following surgery. Avoid extreme temperatures of cold and hot with your food and beverages.
