Dental Implants Aftercare Instructions
Dental implants are an ideal solution for missing or damaged teeth. However, how you care for your implants can make all the difference when it comes to the effectiveness of the dental implants. You need to understand a few things about your dental implants, especially after surgery. There will be some significant oral changes after surgery, and you need to know how to handle each of those changes. Since your dental implants will still be integrating with the tissues as well as the bone, you will have to be extra careful regarding care. Here are some things to remember.
Bleeding
Bleeding is normal after a dental implant surgery. To manage or control the bleeding, it is usually recommended that you gently but firmly bite down on the gauze packs that your dentist placed over the surgical areas. The gauze packs can be changed or replaced as necessary depending on how they control the bleeding. You can replace them after every couple of minutes until the bleeding stops.
If bleeding persists even after replacing the packs multiple times, try repositioning them. Remember that the packs have to exert some pressure over the surgical areas. If they are only clenched between your teeth, they may not work effectively to stop the bleeding. Persistent bleeding is not uncommon, but if it becomes heavy or remains uncontrolled, you can always check with your dentist to find out if it's something too serious.
Swelling
Some form of swelling is also expected following your dental implant surgery. You should use ice packs over the cheek just adjacent to the surgical areas. Ice packs can help minimise the swelling. Also, lower your level of activity by getting some rest. Strenuous activities will impact not only the swelling but also any bleeding and pain that you may experience. Therefore, avoid exercise for a few days after the surgery.
Smoking
Do not smoke after your dental implant surgery. This includes not only the day of the surgery, but also throughout the period of recovery. Smoking can increase the risk of infection, which will affect your healing process because the dental implants may fail to integrate properly when there's an infection. Therefore, refrain from smoking after your surgery.
Remember that oral hygiene is still significant even with dental implants. Therefore, brush gently while being extra careful not to prod the surgical area with your toothbrush. For mouth rinses, saltwater is often recommended to help disinfect the implants.
Share
