What to avoid after dental implant surgery

A dental implant might seem easy, but it is a surgical procedure that must be done by experts. And as with every surgery it requires you to make an effort following your dentist’s instructions which will accelerate your healing process and make it more comfortable.

Avoid…

Right after your surgery your dentist will give you instructions on how to proceed, it is important that you do what you are told. Some of these considerations are:

• Avoid spitting or touching the treated area with your tongue, your hands or any other object during the first day after the surgery.

• When washing your teeth the day after, do not brush the implant area. But don’t forget oral hygiene is important, mainly in this situation, where the lack of it could lead to infections.

• In no way try to drive after the surgery. After being treated with anesthesia you won’t be totally capable and you could be harmful to yourself and others.

• Avoid getting up fast when you are laid down, we recommend to sit down for at least a minute first. This will reduce the chances of bleeding. 

• For the following two weeks avoid blowing your nose.

• During the first days after your surgery avoid doing any physical activity.

• For one week after the procedure don’t smoke, drink alcohol, carbonated beverages nor hot and very cold drinks.

• Avoid abrasive, tough, crunchy, sticky, chewy, spicy, acidic and very hot foods. 

Recommendations

After your surgery anesthesia will still have an effect on your body, that is why it is recommended for the patient to take painkillers between 1 and 2 hours after the procedure. This is because if you take it past that time, the anesthesia effect would have ended and pain will be more difficult to reduce. Pain, discomfort and swelling will reduce throughout the days.

Another tip for you to reduce your pain and bleeding risk is sleeping with your head in an elevated position using pillows. Doing this, blood circulation will slow down in the gums. This allows your oral soft tissues to heal.

Applying ice is useful when trying to lessen swelling and bruises which are typically generated by the treatment. When applying ice you should put it in your jaw for 20 minutes, and then take it off for 20 minutes more and repeat. Doing it during the first days will make everything more comfortable and swelling will be highly reduced.

During the first couple of days your diet will be very specific since you have to protect your healing gums. You will only be able to eat soft and cool foods. Some possible solids would be: yogurt, instant oatmeal, jelly and mashed potatoes. 

Conclusion

It is very important to follow your dentist’s advice and recommendations. Not doing so could end up bringing complications, and in the worst case, implant failure.

Last but not least, avoid missing your dentist appointment and be alert to the signs your mouth is giving you. Avoid getting the wrong instructions, prognosis or treatment by scheduling a consultation with an Esteem doctor near you.