Missing teeth not only affect the quality of your smile but its function as well. Dental implant treatment is a permanent solution, and after placement, there are significant steps you must take to ensure a comfortable healing process.
First Day Post-Surgery
You should trust a companion or family member to take you to and from your surgery appointment. They should be able to attend to you after surgery as well. During this time, you should limit strenuous activity as it can result in bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Be sure to keep your head elevated while resting during the first day after surgery, and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and promote healing.
Keeping the Treatment Site Clean
Dental implant placement can be done in our office or with the assistance of a trusted oral surgeon. As it requires surgical placement, it is important to keep the site as sterile as possible. The night after surgery, brush your teeth as you normally would, but be gentle around the treatment sites. If you are experiencing light bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm water.
Ease Swelling and Pain
It is common for patients to feel sore or experience swelling for a few days after surgery. To combat this, apply a cold pack to sore areas. If you experience pain, you may have been prescribed pain medication. Before taking any additional pain medication, keep mind that the most severe pain usually occurs six hours after the anesthesia wears off.
Post-Surgery Diet
Eating during the first few days of surgery should be done with caution. Be sure to avoid extremely hot foods, and instead intake liquids or pureed foods such as soups, milkshakes, or yogurt. Any type of chewing or sucking on a straw can cause discomfort. Once several days of healing have passed, you may start incorporating solid foods into your diet. It is important to the healing process that you are well nourished, so be sure to not skip meals.
You should discuss the post-care regimen with your dentist and oral surgeon prior to implant placement surgery. At Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Viet Ho and his experienced staff provide our patients with comfortable treatments that create lasting smiles. For more information about dental implant placement and post-surgery care, contact our practice today!