Recovering From a Dental Implant Surgery
A dental implant is a surgical procedure that replaces natural tooth roots with screw-like posts made from metal. Later, an artificial tooth caps the screw to mimic the look and function of the broken or missing tooth. The procedure may take one or multiple sittings. It’s important to follow proper precautions during your treatment in order to get the best results.
Here is some aftercare advice for your dental implant surgery:
Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Experiencing minor pain, bleeding, or swelling after the procedure is normal and nothing to worry about. You might notice somewhat pink or even red saliva for a couple of hours or a day after your surgery.
Make sure to take your prescribed medications on time. This helps control swelling and prevents discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. You can also apply ice packs to the surgical site for 2 to 3 minutes during the first 24 hours post-op. Moreover, get plenty of rest and limit your activity for a couple of days after the surgery.
Eating and Drinking
Eat only soft foods and a liquid diet following dental implant surgery. We recommend steering clear of spicy food items and even hot beverages like tea and coffee. This helps speed up healing and reduces the risk of inflammation. You can gradually return to your regular diet once the soft tissue grows back on the wound. However, avoid chewing hard food items like nuts, especially from the affected side, until the area heals fully.
Oral Care and Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is extremely crucial for a successful recovery from implant surgery. Nonetheless, avoid gargling or rinsing with mouthwash on the first day after surgery. You should brush your teeth normally but be careful not to scrub the treated area. If there is food stuck in the implant area, use a Q-tip to gently clean around it.
For any queries or concerns regarding implant surgery aftercare, get in touch with Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Ardoin. At Oral and Facial Surgery Center, we use the latest tools and technology to provide optimal results with minimal discomfort. Call now at 337-443-2533 for our Lafayette location or 337-381-3663 for our Opelousas location to schedule your appointment.