Your Postoperative Guide
Proper aftercare for your newly restored smile is a vital factor in ensuring your dental implants last long and that you don’t need unnecessary dentist visits right after treatment. Drs. Keith and Daniel MacDonald have provided this postoperative guide for our patients in the Triad of North Carolina to ensure their restorations remain strong and healthy with consistent care.
Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding
Your mouth is a sensitive part of your body and with any dental visit you may have, it’s likely to feel discomfort afterward. By using our advanced technology and vast experience, dental implants are the most comfortable restoration that delivers the least amount of pain during and after the procedure.
However, it is still expected to experience some sort of pain, swelling, or bleeding after your surgery. Here are some tips to help you get through any discomfort that may occur:
- For pain: We recommend if you suffer any level of pain or discomfort to take general pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil. If you have been prescribed any antibiotics, be sure to take it as directed until it’s completely gone.
- For swelling: It’s extremely common for your body to react to surgery with some minor swelling. To help keep down the swelling, use the 20 minutes on-and-off technique with an ice pack on the affected area.
- For bleeding: Minimal bleeding is also likely to happen after implant surgery. To help diminish your bleeding, apply a damp gauze to the area for about an hour or until it stops.
Watch Your Diet
Avoiding carbonated liquids and hot or acidic foods will help your implant area heal much faster. Eating softer foods and drinking nutrient-rich drinks are great options for your postoperative diet. This will help the area heal more efficiently and you will be able to start eating all your favorite foods sooner than you may expect.
Oral Hygiene
In order to prevent any infection and ensure your new tooth restoration heals properly, you must take care of your oral health. Keep your mouth clean by using a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth in the morning, after you eat, and before bed.
Rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water as well to ensure no food particles get stuck between your teeth. This necessary oral hygiene will keep your mouth clean and healthy throughout your dental implant healing period.
Take a Break from Activity
For the first 48 hours after your implant surgery, we recommend you stay at home to relax, especially if you’ve been prescribed an antibiotic. After those first two days, you can get back to your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to remove my implant to eat or for any other reason?
No! Unlike other tooth restoration options, dental implants don’t need to be removed for any reason. In fact, once your fixture has properly osseointegrated to your jawbone, it will stay permanently locked in place. At this point, you won’t need to remove the implant for any reason, not even for cleaning.
How should I sleep following a dental implant procedure?
It’s best to keep your head in an elevated position for at least 72 hours after your dental implant surgery. To elevate your head, pull yourself up onto pillows in your bed. If that sounds uncomfortable, you can also try sleeping in a recliner for the first few days after your procedure.
What should I do if I encounter complications with my dental implant?
Dental implant complications are rare, but if you’re experiencing problems or severe discomfort call our office right away at (336)-803-7570. Don’t attempt to fix the problem yourself, as this can result in permanent damage and set your treatment back. Dr. MacDonald will ensure you get the care you need as soon as possible.
Ask Drs. Keith and Daniel MacDonald Any Questions
After reading and understanding this guide to your post-op dental implant care and still have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. Call us at 336-803-7570 to speak with one of our team members or request an appointment if you’re having issues with your implants after surgery.