Dos & Don’ts After Dental Implant Surgery: Easy Recovery Tips
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Dental implant surgery is a common and effective way to replace missing teeth. Implants look and work almost like real teeth, helping you smile and chew normally.
The dental implant procedure may feel scary, but with proper rest and care afterwards, you can heal quickly. Implants don’t get cavities, but they can still get infected if not cleaned well.
That’s why taking care of your mouth after the surgery is just as important as the surgery itself. Following a few basic dos and don’ts will help you recover smoothly.
How to Care for Your Dental Implant After Surgery
Your dentist will give you some aftercare instructions to help you heal smoothly. Since your gums and teeth are still sensitive, you might face a few minor issues. If they occur, follow these simple steps.
1. Bleeding
It is normal to have slight bleeding for up to 48 hours after surgery.
If you notice bleeding, place a moistened gauze pad on the area and apply gentle pressure for about 20 minutes.
If the bleeding continues even after doing this, contact your dentist.
2. Pain
Mild pain or discomfort is expected after implant surgery. Your dentist will prescribe painkillers, so take them exactly as directed.
You may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection—take the full course as prescribed.
3. Swelling
Swelling is common in the first couple of days. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel and place it on the swollen area for short periods.
For the first 24–48 hours, you can keep alternating the ice pack between the swollen spots.
4. Diet
Avoid extremely hot foods and drinks, and do not rinse your mouth right after surgery.
Choose soft foods and avoid chewing on the side where the implant was placed.
Stay away from sticky foods like caramel, chocolate, or popcorn, and avoid acidic foods too.
- Good food options include:
- Cheese
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
Wait until the numbness from the anaesthesia fully wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
5. Oral Hygiene
Continue cleaning the parts of your mouth that were not treated during surgery as usual. For the area around the implant, brush very gently.
Rinse with lukewarm salt water after meals to keep the area clean.
Some sensitivity is normal and should reduce over time. Keeping the area free of plaque will help it heal faster.
If anything feels unusual or uncomfortable, it’s best to visit your dentist.
6. Antibiotics
If your dentist prescribes antibiotics, take them exactly as instructed.
Make sure to complete the entire course to prevent infection.
Do's after Dental implant Surgery:
1. Follow your dental surgeon's instructions
After the dental implant surgery, the dentist will give you a set of instructions to help you heal faster.
This will include basic things like not brushing your teeth for some time, not eating for two hours, recommending a specific oral hygiene regime, etc.
2. Rinse your mouth with warm salty water
Post the dental implant surgery, there is a possibility of a small amount of bleeding.
Get into the habit of rinsing your mouth twice or thrice daily with warm salty water, especially after meals. Oral hygiene is imperative for the success of your surgery.
3. Eat soft foods high in Vitamins
While recovering from your dental implant surgery, you must eat soft foods high in Vitamins.
Try out vegetable soups, mashed vegetables, yogurt, and smoothies high in vitamins A and C to accelerate the recovery.
4. Rest for a few days
Oral surgery may not be as extensive as a significant organ surgery, but it is surgery nonetheless. Surgeries traumatize your body, and you need to recuperate from it.
Take help from a family member or friend who can assist with food, take care of kids or pets, and run basic errands for you. It would be best if you rested up for a few days post-surgery.
Don'ts after Dental Implant Surgery
1. Don't exert yourself / Don't do any strenuous exercises
After dental implant surgery, you will have to take a short break from your exercise routine.
At least for the first couple of days, avoid lifting weights, intense running, or other strenuous activities and allow your body to heal. This will prevent further swelling and bleeding.
2. Don't consume hot beverages and food
Your entire oral cavity will be numb from the painkillers and anaesthetics, and you are more prone to mouth burns because of the lack of feeling.
Avoid consuming hot food and beverages immediately after your dental implant surgery.
3. Avoid crunchy, sticky, and hard foods
Avoid eating sweet, hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for at least six to 12 weeks, as these may harm your gums, leading to unnecessary bleeding.
4. Don't smoke or consume alcohol
Post your dental implant surgery; smoking tends to disrupt the normal healing process putting you at risk of infections or implant failure.
Alcohol will interfere with the pain relief medication and antibiotics prescribed, further hampering recovery.
