Dental Implants: Aftercare Do’s and Don’ts

Dental implants are surgically implanted in your mouth to help support artificial teeth such as crowns or dentures. They act as a foundation in your jaw that can drastically improve your overall mouth and quality of life. Benefits of dental implants include better chewing, an improved appearance, and protection from tooth and bone loss.

While dental implants can be a good option for people who are missing teeth or suffering from dental injury or damage, they may not be a good choice for everyone. You need to have a discussion with your dentist before determining if you are the right candidate for dental implants.

Keep in mind that there are also risks associated with the procedure such as implant failure or damage during placement. This is why it’s so important to have a good dentist at your side who will be with you and guide you throughout the surgery and aftercare. If you are interested in dental implants, keep on reading to discover some of the basic do’s and don’ts when it comes to aftercare.

Do Follow Oral Hygiene Instructions

After your dental implant surgery, you want to keep your mouth as clean as possible by maintaining your oral hygiene. This means brushing daily for two minutes each time and flossing after meals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle on sensitive areas.

It may also be a good idea to invest in a Waterpik flosser to get to hard-to-reach areas and make flossing easier. Always use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and a mouthwash that is effective against plaque and tartar. Remember that maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is the first step to a smooth recovery.

Do Eat Soft Foods

Soups, yogurts, and smoothies are good options for the first few days after surgery. You want to avoid hard or sticky foods for at least 24 hours after surgery. Don’t eat sugary sweets either, as these can stick to your teeth and cause plaque build-up. Cut up large pieces of food when possible to make it easier to chew and swallow. You don’t want to irritate the healing area, especially in the beginning stages of healing.

Do Take Prescribed Medication

Of course, you should be taking the prescribed medication and pain medicine that your dentist gives you. Dental implants require antibiotics to be taken after the procedure. Always follow the instructions on the label when it comes to dosage, and remember to take the entirety of your medication, even if you feel that you don’t need to.

Don’t Drive Home Alone

After dental implant surgery, you will need to arrange a ride home with someone you trust. Don’t attempt to drive on your own, as this can be extremely dangerous. You may not be fully alert and aware, especially if your surgery involves anesthesia that puts you to sleep.

You could experience blurry vision or dizziness following the procedure. This is why it’s best to avoid operating your car or any heavy machinery for the first 24 hours following your surgery. This also means taking the day off from work or any other commitments that require your alertness and attention.

Don’t Smoke After Surgery

It goes without saying that you should never smoke or drink alcohol immediately following any dental or medical procedure. This can cause complications and mess with your speed of recovery. Also, smoking can increase your risk of infection after the surgery, so it is definitely something you want to avoid doing after having dental implants.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

While swelling and some bleeding are normal, you should always monitor for excessive and persistent bleeding or pain after your dental implant surgery. You may experience minor bleeding in the first few days, and it is standard procedure to bite down firmly on the gauze in your mouth during this time to prevent excessive bleeding.

If you experience heavy bleeding that is not lessening in the days that follow, then contact your dentist and make an emergency appointment to see them as soon as possible so they can address the problem.

Remember to follow these instructions carefully, and always listen to your dentist’s advice following recovery. Once it’s been three weeks after your surgery, you should be seeing your dentist again for your follow-up. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and address any concerns with your dentist for a smooth and speedy recovery.

For more information on implant dentistry and family dentistry in Mississauga and the GTA, please call Bristol Dental at 866-673-2019 or contact us here. Our dentists are trusted professionals that have been in the business for years. We understand the needs of our clients and will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable. Contact us today to get started with our services.