Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth. Most dental implants are made of titanium or titanium alloy, which allows for perfect integration with bone. A crown, or a replacement tooth, is then placed on the top of the implant.
Implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for those who suffer from either missing or decaying teeth.
Check out these five tips for a successful recovery from implant surgery.
# 1 Post-surgery bleeding is normal
Soon after the dental implant, you will likely see a small amount of bleeding. Oozing or blood-stained saliva is also not uncommon. The bleeding is expected to last for up to 48-72 hours after the implant placement. Try not to remove the surgical gauze over the wounds. Remember that rinsing out the mouth or spitting will cause more bleeding, so stick to biting down on the surgical gauze until bleeding stops. Remember to keep the tongue away from the surgical site.
# 2 When and what to eat and drink post-surgery
Be gentle on your new dental implants during the first few weeks post-surgery. Remove the gauze packs while eating. Once the numbness is gone, you can eat foods such as pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, milkshake, smoothie, or creamy soup. Avoid foods that are hard-to-chew foods such as nuts, sunflower seeds, or popcorn that may get lodged in the socket areas. Also, avoid acidic and spicy food. You can slowly get back to your regular diet after your pain goes away. Most people are back to their “normal” diet 7-10 days after surgery.
#3 Swelling
Following the dental implant, swelling is expected and is completely normal. You may see swelling around the mouth and cheeks. Swelling is how your body protects an area that has been “injured.” It may be difficult to open your mouth for a few days since your jaw may be stiff after the procedure. There may also be some tingling of the tongue and lips. However, you can reduce the swelling by applying ice packs. The swelling usually subsides after about seven days. After 48 hours, you can discontinue the ice and start using warm packs.
#4 Oral hygiene
You should brush your teeth after mouth surgery and dental implants. You can resume regular oral hygiene practices 24 hours after the dental implant. You should rinse your mouth with salt water every few hours. You can also resume brushing your teeth, but avoid being rough around the surgical site. After four weeks, you can start brushing the implant, implant abutments, or bone graft sites with a soft toothbrush.
#5 Avoid smoking
Smoking cigarettes will hurt your dental implants and slow your recovery. Nicotine in smoke constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow and oxygen to the soft tissues, affecting your healing process. Smoking also affects osseointegration (bone ingrowth into a metal implant), which will lead to implant failure. Smoking has been shown to significantly increase the risk of the implant failing, and it may result in the need for additional procedures.
About Premier Oral Surgery
At Premier Oral Surgery, we are a comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. We aim to provide high-quality care to each and every patient. We specialize in all oral surgeries, including implant placement, bone grafts, and wisdom teeth removal. We offer IV sedation as well. Our highly skilled staff consists of CPR-certified oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants.
To book an appointment, call us at 203-939-9390. You can also get in touch by email at info@premieroralsurgeryct.com.
