January 25th, 2021
Once your dental implants have been placed it is essential that you follow some guidelines to ensure that you make your recovery easier and so that your implants will last a long time. Rebuilding your smile will make a difference in your life, so it’s important to take it seriously and follow through with good post-op care. Here are 6 tips for success.
- Control Bleeding and Swelling- You may have bleeding for several days after surgery. Firmly bite on a (damp) gauze pad and change it out every so often. A moist tea bag will also work. This allows a blood clot to form and the dampness of the material used keeps the clot from sticking to it. If you have swelling you can hold a (wrapped) ice pack to your face for about 10 minutes. Propping up can also help.
- Manage Pain or Discomfort- Your surgeon will discuss pain management with you, so please heed those instructions. If pain medication was prescribed or if you are taking an OTC pain reliever, you may be able to “get on top of the pain” by taking you’re a dose before the anesthesia wears off.
- Take it Easy- Relax! This is not the time to prove how tough or resilient you are. Avoid strenuous workouts and time off from work if needed. Get some sleep and let healing take place.
- Don’t neglect oral hygiene- Although you need to avoid the implant site, you still need to clean your mouth. Gently brush and floss the rest of your teeth. Rinse gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery to keep your wounds clean. Salt water is made by placing a teaspoon of table salt in one cup of warm (NOT HOT) water.
- Eat carefully- Maintain a soft diet after surgery (applesauce, mashed potatoes, etc) only moving to more firm foods as you feel able. Avoid foods with sharp edges or seeds and kernels. High protein/high calorie foods may aid healing. No straws!
- No alcohol nor smoking- Both of these can hinder the healing process, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
As always, call Rockcliff Oral Surgery with any questions. 828-255-7781
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