Dental implant surgery, in and of itself, yields a high success rate. The real challenge, however, comes after the procedure is done. The recovery process is just as critical as the operation itself—it needs equal care and commitment.
At Hagerman Dental Care, we understand how the whole process of recovering from dental implant surgery can give you anxiety. So, to ease your mind, we have come up with a list of useful tips to help you recover quickly and successfully.
1.) Get some downtime.
After your surgery appointment, your dentist will likely recommend that you spend the rest of your day in bed.
However small your incision wound, you are not going to do it any good when you move around, let alone engage in strenuous activities. Such can disrupt the healing process and risk dislodging the sutures that help hold your dental implants in place—which may lead to excessive bleeding.
2.) Take your medications, as instructed.
Your dentist will likely prescribe painkillers to prevent further discomfort and pain once the anesthetics wear off.
Your dentist will also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections. Make sure you stick to the right dosage, as instructed. It is critical that you do not skip a dose or stop the treatment course early.
3.) Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
Your dentist may not allow you to brush the tender areas inside your mouth within the first few days after your surgery. Your mouth is still sensitive, and the surgical site is essentially a deep wound.
Your dentist may recommend that you gargle with salt water instead. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with approximately 8 oz. of warm water to combat the spread of germs in the affected areas.
Consult your dentist for more detailed instructions on how to maintain oral hygiene after your surgery.
4.) Get on a soft diet.
Your post-surgery diet should be different from your usual diet. Have some porridge, soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or eggs, which require minimal effort to chew. Eating soft foods also reduces the risk of leaving any particles stuck in the sutures or in any hard-to-reach places inside your mouth.
Even if you feel that you’re ready for solid food, consult your dentist first. Some areas in your mouth might still be sensitive; jumping back into your regular eating patterns too quickly may slow down your healing process.
If your dentist allows you to eat solid food, make sure that you transition gradually until you’re capable of munching harder food.
5.) Apply a cold compress.
Swelling and bruises on your face are an expected side effect of dental implant surgery. To address either of them, you can apply a cold compress onto the area. Do this for 30 minutes, then rest for 20 minutes, repeatedly within the first 24 hours after your surgery. If you had surgery on both sides of your mouth, alternate sides when applying a cold compress. You can expect the swelling to subside in a few days.
6.) Avoid smoking.
You must’ve had heard time and time again about the many bad effects of smoking on your health. The same holds true for your dental implant surgery recovery.
Nicotine slows down healing by narrowing the small blood vessels that transport oxygen, nutrients, and healing factors to the dental implant site.
Smoking can also increase the risk of implant failure. In order to avoid complications, it helps to stop smoking before the operation, until you are fully healed.
Top-Notch Dental Implant Services in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
If you’re looking for a dental office that provides high-quality implants within the St. Paul or Minneapolis area, visit us at Hagerman Dental Clinic.
The man behind our practice, Dr. Steven Hagerman, is highly qualified and experienced in the field of cosmetic dentistry. He has established a reputation for delivering the best dental experience through the combination of the newest techniques, state-of-the-art technology, and a caring approach. He will provide you with the necessary post-surgery care and instructions to ensure a successful outcome.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hagerman, call us at (651) 646-2392 today, or book an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!