Dental Implant Post-Operative Instructions

Are you considering dental implants to restore your smile and improve your teeth functionality? Let us see what a dental implant is, whether you are eligible, and how to heal faster after dental implant surgery. Let us guide you through the dental implant aftercare process. Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, but proper care is essential to ensure their success. Here’s everything you need to know about home care after implant surgery.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial root analogues made of Titanium that are placed painlessly in our bone at the time or after teeth extraction to provide a strong base for artificial teeth. With their natural look and feel, dental implants are the perfect long-term solution for missing teeth.

Reasons Why Dentists Recommend Dental Implants?

• To regain your normal ability to chew and speak.
• Prevent bone loss and tooth shifting.
• Provide a long-lasting and durable solution.
• Improve your overall oral health and avoid shifting of remaining teeth.

Check your eligibility for Dental Implant Surgery

To be eligible for dental implant surgery, you should:

• Have sufficient bone density and healthy gums.
• Be free of active dental issues.
• Be in good overall health and not have uncontrolled medical conditions.
• Either refrain from smoking or be prepared to quit smoking.
• Commit to good oral hygiene habits.
• Not be a child or teenager whose jaws are still growing.

Consult with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine your eligibility and ensure dental implants are the right choice.

Prepare Yourself Before Getting Dental Implants

Before getting dental implants, it’s essential to follow these guidelines:

• Notify your dentist about the medications you take.
• Practice consistent brushing and flossing to maintain optimal oral health.
• Follow a nutritious diet to promote healing.
• Arrange a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the procedure and ask questions.
• Follow the fasting recommendations provided by your dentist before the surgery.
• Plan time off for rest and recovery after the surgery.
• Notify your dentist of any allergies or medical conditions you may have.
• Follow any additional pre-operative instructions provided by your dentist.

Things to Consider After Getting Dental Implants

Proper post-operative care is crucial for the success of your dental implants. Here are some essential guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery and long-term success of your implants.

Protection of the Blood Clot and Surgical Site

• It is normal to experience bleeding after implant placement, which can last for several hours. Apply gentle pressure on your cheeks, jaws, and chin with cool packs.
• If you have a removable denture, place gauze in the molar region and bite down. If there is no ongoing bleeding, remove the gauze. 
• Refrain from spitting, bending over, using a straw, or rinsing for 24 hours.
• Lay in a semi-reclined position with your head above your heart unless you feel faint.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity or smoking for few days.

Rinsing

• Do not rinse on the day of surgery or for the first 24 hours.
• On days 2 and 3, brush your teeth gently twice daily.If you wear a removable denture, take it out to rinse and clean the inside.
• Begin gentle rinsing with warm salt water solution after meals. If prescribed, use a prescribed solution.

Care of Teeth

• Start brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times daily on day 2, being careful around the incisions left from surgery.
• Unless your dentist advises, no temporary prosthesis may be placed on the implant site for at least 3 weeks.

Swelling or Fever

• Use a cool pack on your face for at least 48 hours to help control swelling and bruising.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you experience extreme swelling or a fever.

Pain

Some discomfort is normal. Take prescribed medication as directed. Follow your doctor’s guidelines to reduce dental implant pain.

No Smoking or Alcohol

Do not smoke for 10 days or drink alcohol for 48 hours following surgery.

Diet

• No hot liquids for the first 24 hours. Start with cool liquids, avoiding sucking through straws.
• Advance to a soft food diet as the numbness wears off, avoiding chewing in the surgery area.
• We recommend a soft food diet for few days. On the first day, a cool, pureed diet is best.

Continuing Care After Implant Surgery

• Maintain good oral hygiene with a toothbrush, floss daily, and use an Interdental brush if prescribed.
• Massage the soft tissue around the implant once a week.
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and maintenance.

Things to avoid after dental implant surgery

• Limit or refrain from intense physical activity for the first few days following surgery.
• Do not consume hot or hard foods that can irritate the surgical site.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can delay healing.

Maintenance

Implants are not natural teeth, requiring continuous maintenance for long-term success. Soft tissue around implants must be well-maintained to prevent infections and problems.

Daily Maintenance

• Use a rotary toothbrush for ideal soft tissue and oral hygiene.
• Floss around the implant with implant floss daily.
• Use a water flosser with interdental brush heads.
• Complete brushing, flossing, and flushing at least twice a day.

Weekly Maintenance

Massage the soft tissue around the implant once a week to change bacteria content.

Yearly Maintenance

• Visit your dentist for cleaning, evaluation, and possible tightening or changing parts.
• Discuss with your dentist if the crown or prosthesis becomes loose.
• Have your bite assessed at every recall appointment to avoid overloading the implant. 

Conclusion

Proper post-operative care is essential for the success of your dental implant treatment. Stick with these guidelines for a faster recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us for guidance. Your smile is our priority!