What to Do and What Not to Do After Your Dental Implant Procedure

Have you recently opted for dental implants to replace your missing teeth? Just like any surgery, there are some essential things you should take into consideration after this procedure. Maintaining your dental implants will help ensure that you get the maximum value and results of your implants in the long run. Here are the things you need to do, and you should never do after your dental implant procedure.

Do’s

Start by following your dental surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. One important tip is to take a rest on the day of your dental implant surgery. It’s often advised to have someone drive you home from the clinic. Also, ask your partner or a trusted friend to accompany you for the night.

If you need to lie down, keep your head elevated. You can do this by propping it with soft pillows. This is to improve proper blood circulation to your head as well as minimize swelling or bleeding to the incision site. For the first 24 hours, placing an ice pack or cold compress on your face can also help reduce inflammation.

Take your medications as instructed by your surgeon. Even if you don’t feel pain yet, it’s easier to prevent the discomfort than manage it once it has occurred.

Only eat soft foods, such as low-sodium soups, mashed vegetables, and yogurts, during the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. Take supplements and eat foods rich in vitamins A and C. These can help you recover from the surgery faster.

Keep your mouth clean. You might have to skip rinsing your mouth on the first day, but your surgeon will likely tell you to do so gently on the second day. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times daily.

Don’ts

Don’t go rushing back to work or your daily routine after your surgery. Let your body heal, so avoid doing any strenuous activities for the first few days following your surgery.

Do not eat popcorn and other hard or crunchy foods, especially in the area where your new implants have been placed.

Do not brush and floss your teeth unless your surgeon tells you so. Once you are cleared to resume these oral care practices, see to it that you do so carefully.

Avoid smoking at least for the entire day following your surgery. Better yet, stop smoking altogether to help improve your overall health. Also, alcohol can interfere with your recovery process, so avoid drinking for the first 24 hours.

Your dental surgeon must have already set a schedule for your next visit. But, do not wait to communicate with him or her until your next appointment. If you experience any issue after the surgery, contact them immediately. The sooner you talk to your surgeon, the faster your problem can be resolved.

The long-term success of your dental implant surgery largely depends on the steps you take following the procedure. Do you have questions about how you can heal appropriately from oral surgery? Visit New York Institute of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Brooklyn, New York, today. Call us at (718) 557-9478 to book an appointment.