Dental Implant Care After Surgery

Dental implants are one of the most popular methods to replace missing teeth. They are an excellent solution that allows you to restore your natural smile to its former glory with durable restorations that last a lifetime.

Dental implants consist of a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone in a straightforward surgical procedure. Once inserted into the jawbone, they fuse with the bone to provide a stable and secure foundation for your prosthetic teeth to be attached, providing a range of benefits that extend beyond just aesthetics.

Like any other treatment, the dental implant procedure also comes with a set of aftercare instructions that should be followed if you want your recovery to go smoothly. Here are a few aftercare measures you can take to speed up that recovery process:

1. Cleanse your mouth

An easy way to cleanse your mouth of any microorganisms is to gently swish or hold saline water in your mouth for a few seconds. Avoid violently swishing the water around in your mouth as this can be quite painful and cause damage to the surgical site. Saline water is generally used to treat wounds so this will complement your oral hygiene efforts. However, we suggest you wait at least 24 hours before gently rinsing your mouth.

2. Avoid hot foods & drinks

After any dental treatment, your gums usually require a certain amount of time to heal.During this time , the tissue around the surgical site is soft and may be extra sensitive. So, consuming hot drinks and foods in particular can cause irritation and place stress on the healing tissues. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, as it can contribute to a faster recovery. We encourage you to stay hydrated by drinking more cold water during this time to give your mouth some pain relief and to promote healing.

3. Pay attention to bodily reactions

It’s natural for your body to have a reaction to your treatment while healing. For example, patients can generally expect slight swelling post-implant surgery, to which we would recommend applying an ice pack to the affected area. Certain pain relievers may also be recommended should you experience discomfort. But if your body shows different reactions to what your dentist predicted, schedule an appointment ASAP.

4. Avoid brushing aggressively

While regular brushing each day is still necessary for your oral health, we recommend waiting a few days before brushing near your dental implant surgical site since it will be sensitive during these first couple of days. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid any damage.

5. TRANSITION TO SOLID MEALS GRADUALLY

It may be difficult for you to chew solid foods in the initial days following your surgery. Once you find that you can use and move your jaws normally, you can gradually start incorporating solid meals into your diet. Start with soft boiled foods that are easier to break down without much chewing.

6. AVOID SMOKING AND ALCOHOL

Smoking, is harmful to not just your overall health but oral health, too. This habit can also increase the chances of post-operative complications and even lead to implant failure. For these reasons, we suggest avoiding smoking for at least 48 hours after getting your dental implants. Similarly, you should also limit your alcohol consumption to ensure a smoother recovery.

7. LIMIT YOUR SUGAR INTAKE

Maintaining a balanced diet is important to ensure optimal healing and good oral health. So, after getting your dental implants, we suggest limiting your sugar intake because excessive sugar consumption can lead to bacteria growth and infections around the implant site. Excessive consumption of sugary and caffeinated drinks can also impact the healing process. 

8. VISIT THE DENTIST FOR REGULAR FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS

Don’t miss out or ignore these follow-up appointments after getting your dental implants, as they help our dentists monitor your progress and ensure you are on the path towards a smooth recovery process. These visits also allow us to promptly address any problems or concerns that could affect the healing process.

At Purity Dental, we will walk you through the exact steps you need to take to ensure your dental implant recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Our dental team is always one call away for any questions or clarifications you need. Reach us at (03) 9540 8900 for more information!