The area around a new dental implant can require significant attention and care for as long as a month or perhaps even longer. After dental implant surgery, you must take the right actions to prevent bleeding, infection, and other complications and help ensure that the bone, tissue, and implant learn to live together. Neglect is not an option.
Most important is to avoid disturbing the implant area for the first 3 days following the procedure. That means no rinsing, spitting, or touching the area to avoid irritating or contaminating the wound.
Here are some additional instructions for proper post-implant care:
Hygiene. Above all else, the surgical site must be clean so that the dental implant can heal. You will need to start brushing your teeth when your SDDA dentist says it’s OK, being careful to avoid any stitches or sutures you may have. And you must avoid the implant itself.
Bleeding. Blood in your saliva during the first 24 hours following oral surgery is common. If you have any more bleeding than a slight tinge of pink, bite on gauze pads for a short time to lessen bleeding, maintaining pressure until bleeding stops.
Pain. As soon as the anesthetic wears off, there will be a bit of pain, but it should not be overwhelming. Over-the-counter pain relief medicine or the prescription the dentist gave you should take care of it.
Antibiotics. Provided by your dentist to prevent infection, antibiotics should be taken as prescribed, and all should be used up even if you don’t have any symptoms.
Rinsing. You should rinse your mouth very gently with warm salt water up to 5 times per day, making sure to rinse away all particles after each time you eat
Diet. You should be able to eat a mostly normal diet a few days after your procedure, but soft foods are the best idea in the first few days following dental implant surgery. Only chew if it doesn’t hurt. For overall health, you must stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other liquids.
Swelling. Not a sign of a problem but rather a sign of healing, swelling is normal but can be lessened by keeping your head elevated as often as possible. Keeping activity to a minimum will also help, and you can try ice packs applied to the face during the first few days. After that, moist heat is the best idea.
Prosthetics and mouthguards. You cannot use dentures, partials, retainers or mouthguards for up to 10 days following the surgery. If this presents a problem, you should discuss this with your dentist before surgery to see what options are available to you.
Smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow and increases the chance of infection, compromising the ability of the implant area to heal. Smoking must be avoided for at least 2 weeks after any kind of oral surgery.
More On Dental Implant Recovery
Everyone is different, of course, but healing patterns are often similar. The most important thing for a full recovery and a successful dental implant is to focus on oral hygiene, making sure to keep the implant area clean so it can integrate properly. A properly placed and healed dental implant can last a lifetime.
The overall healing time can vary significantly and you will need to visit a dentist for follow-up appointments during healing. Although there can be pain and some inconvenience during healing, you will find that it’s worth it.
If you have questions about dental implants or anything else related to dental or oral hygiene, reach out to a San Diego Dentist Association member now.