Caring for Your Dental Implants After Surgery
Having the necessary dental implant post-op instructions in Orlando is essential if you want your new smile to last a lifetime. Dr. Russo and our team of expert professionals will ensure you have all the important information, so you can enjoy a swift and successful recovery at home. Because it does take several months to fully heal from your oral surgery, you’ll need to make sure you’re following the specific guidelines to avoid any potential complications along the way. If at any point during your recovery you feel as if something is wrong or you are experiencing unnatural pain, contact our office right away.
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
It is best to have someone escort you home after having your dental implants surgically placed. Because it takes time for the anesthesia to wear off, you’ll want to make sure you get plenty of rest. Also, you’ll need to avoid touching or chewing on the implant sites. It is natural to experience some soreness, but you’ll need to make sure you:
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least one full day. It is far better to stop this habit long before you receive dental implants in Orlando, but if you’ve yet to kick the habit, wait at least 24 hours before resuming.
- Do not sip through a straw.
- Do not spit or swish vigorously.
Common Side Effects
No matter the type of oral surgery, it is natural to feel some soreness and discomfort afterward. As your anesthesia wears off, it’s important you understand what is normal and what is not, such as:
- Minor swelling is normal for up to one week. A cold compress can help to alleviate inflammation and discomfort the first day.
- On and off slight bleeding up to 2 days is normal and can be slowed/stopped using clean gauze with bite pressure over site for at least 20 minutes.
- Soreness is unavoidable but can be different for every patient. If medically able, taking an over-the-counter or prescribed anti-inflammatory and other pain relievers can really help.
Diet
You may be hungry after your dental implant surgery, but you’ll need to make sure you stick with soft foods initially. Applying too much pressure to your implant posts is not a good idea in the beginning. They need ample time to fuse with the bone. Instead of eating hard, crunchy foods, it’s best to stick with the following for a few days:
- Pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Soup (warm)
- Mashed potatoes
- Protein drinks
You can begin to incorporate solid foods once your mouth feels more normal and less uncomfortable.
Health & Oral Hygiene
To avoid the potential of an infection or possible damage to your dental implants, you will need to make sure you’re maintaining good oral hygiene at home. It is fine to wait until the following day to brush your teeth, but you’ll want to avoid any mouthwash that contains alcohol. You can soak 2 times a day with a warm saltwater. This will help to encourage soft tissue healing and comfort.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
Your implant dentist in Orlando will secure your customized restoration to your dental implants once you are fully healed. You should have no bleeding, swelling, or serious discomfort. Instead, you should be able to freely enjoy your new and improved smile!
