Recovery Tips for After Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants make it possible for people to replace missing teeth with fixed restorations. The titanium or zirconium posts fuse with the bone to anchor restorations. Typically, it takes about six months for to occur, or for the implants to become stable. Therefore, after implant surgery, you need to follow the tips below to speed up the process of the dental implant recovery and realize the best outcome.
Relax and Rest after the Procedure
After implant surgery, you should take off from work and rest. Arrange for someone to drive you home. Don’t do anything strenuous, such as bend or lift something heavy. Elevate your head while lying in bed by using additional pillows.
Follow After-Care Recommendations
After an implant procedure, the dentist may ask that you refrain from brushing the implant site but to clean the rest of your mouth. You may also have to rinse with a salt water rinse. Follow the aftercare instructions you are given to avoid complications.
Apply Ice
Some patients, after an implant procedure, may experience some swelling or bruising. To reduce swelling and to treat bruising, apply ice to the jaw for 30 minutes, then remove the ice pack 20 minutes, following this course for the initial 24 hours. If you have surgery on both sides of the mouth, switch the ice pack from side to side. The swelling will lessen after several days. Should it become worse during your dental implant recovery, or you contract a fever, you need to let the dentist know immediately.
Do Not Disturb the Blood Clot
Do not disturb the blood clot after the surgery. This means you should refrain from drinking carbonated drinks or alcohol. Avoid spitting and do not use a straw. If you smoke, refrain from doing so for a couple days.
Watch What You Eat
Think cool and soft when you preparing meals or snacks. Recommended after-implant surgery foods include applesauce, lukewarm soup, instant oatmeal, and yogurt. Do not eat foods that are spicy, chewy, too tough to chew, or too cold or hot.
Take Pain Medicines
Most over-the-counter pain medicines, including NSAIDs or acetaminophen, should help reduce any discomfort. It may be necessary to take a prescribed medication prescribed by the dentist.
Watch for Complications
Stay aware of any problems after the procedure, such as an infection, or swelling that lasts over a couple days. If you have problems with breathing or swallowing, or experience an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used during surgery, contact the dentist and go to the ER immediately.
Schedule a Post-Surgery Follow-up Appointment
A post-surgery follow-up appointment should be scheduled with the dentist to ensure that you are healing properly.
If you would like to learn more about implant surgery, and review its benefits, give our office a call for a consultation. Call River Valley Smile Center at 479-646-0706 or contact us through our website. Make sure to follow us on Facebook.
