Aftercare Tips for Dental Implants

Aftercare Tips for Dental Implants

By: Hillside Dental
Posted on: January 18, 2023

Getting dental implants for your missing teeth is a big step in the right direction. You have your implants; next is to take care of the new installations of your perfect smile. Aftercare is an essential part of dental implants because it plays a critical role in the healing process and the durability of the implants.

 

You should be aware of these aftercare tips before you go for the implant procedure. Understanding what you need to do and why you need to do it will help you have a smoother recovery. You must take extra care in the first three weeks after the procedure. The implants are settling in during this time, and your body is adjusting.

 

Immediately After 

Aftercare for your implants starts as soon as the surgery is over. Foremost is rest. You should have someone to drive you home after the surgery as the anesthesia wears off. Other than resting, two other things you should be keen to observe are the following: Do not touch the implant area, and do not rinse your mouth vigorously. 

 

Here are some other significant aspects of aftercare immediately after the surgery.

Control Bleeding

It is natural to notice blood in your saliva or around the implant area after the surgery. You should expect to see this continue for up to three days. The best strategy to manage the bleeding is to bite down on clean gauze for forty to sixty minutes at a time. Do this every six to ten hours after you are home, depending on how much bleeding is happening. 

 

If you notice excessive bleeding, bite down on a black tea bag. The tea bag contains tannic acid, which encourages the formation of clots and constricts blood vessels. Ensure that you are calm, sit upright, and avoid any exercise. Also, avoid forceful spitting, using a straw, or smoking. All these will affect your healing time.

Pain Management

You will experience significant pain after the procedure, so you must have a sound pain management strategy. The most common over-the-counter drugs are Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. However, these usually interfere with the osteointegration process necessary for your implant to heal well. 

Dentists instead advise using Tylenol to manage your pain. They will also advise you on the dosage you need to maintain. A rule of thumb is that you should not take painkillers unless they are six hours apart.

Inflammation

You will notice some swelling and bruising on your gums and face 24 hours after surgery. If you had a sinus lift, you might also notice these around your eyes and nose. Within two days, you will see discoloration. You can use an ice pack on the most affected parts to manage these. Use it for about fifteen to twenty minutes for 48 hours after surgery. 

Rest

As mentioned before, rest is a significant part of recovery after surgery. You must take a few days off from work if you have a strenuous job. Ensure you have a minimum of eight hours of sleep in the first days after the surgery. 

Weeks After the Procedure

Oral Hygiene

Still, the main enemies of your teeth are decay, cavities, and plaque. While your teeth are now artificial, you should still maintain good oral hygiene. It is critical for the longevity of your new teeth. Maintain a routine of brushing twice and flossing at least once a day.

Diet

Ensure you are on a healthy diet to keep your jaw supplied with the proper nutrients. Get on a soft diet in the first two to three weeks because your teeth will be sensitive. Try not to swirl liquids over the implant site, but ensure you stay hydrated.

For more about aftercare tips for dental implants, contact Hillside Dental at our office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Call (702) 666-8584 to book an appointment today. Existing patients can call (702) 895-7799.