One of the most effective ways to deal with dental problems, such as tooth loss, is through dental implants. Prior to your dental implants procedure, you should be familiar with the best aftercare recommendations for dental implants. Essentially, you should do certain things immediately following your surgery, as well as in the future, for your mouth to heal properly.
The need for dental implants, especially among people aged 40 years and above, has never been higher. Getting dental implant surgery, however, is just the first step. You also need to treat and take care of your new smile as if it was your natural one. Good dental care will ensure your dental implants stay in your mouth longer. Some of the best aftercare instructions for dental implants include:
Immediate Care
To prevent implant problems from occurring or progressing, you need to understand what to expect. After the surgical procedure, you should know what is normal and what is not. Immediately following the procedure, you can expect some minor pain, bleeding, and swelling.
In case of swelling around the implant area, apply ice regularly, especially during the first two days after surgery. This will help reduce swelling. Pain is also common after dental implant surgery. Fortunately, your implant dentist in Corpus Christi, TX will prescribe some effective medication to deal with the pain for the first few days.
Bleeding is also common after the surgery, especially during the first 24 hours. To control the bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad. If the area keeps bleeding for more than a few days, contact your dental implant dentist as soon as possible. During the first two days after your dental implant surgery, you need to do the following to ensure a smooth recovery process:
Hot foods or liquids should be avoided for the first two days.
Avoid disturbing or touching the surgical areas.
Avoid exerting yourself.
Rest for the first two days.
Rinse your mouth using salty water several times each day after the first 24 hours.
Use a gentle toothbrush and avoid touching the surgical area for several days.
Aftercare Recommendations – The First Week
You should follow the recommended recovery diet during the first week after your surgery. It is important to avoid liquids and foods that are too hot. Instead, stick to cool items for the first two days. Afterward, you can start taking warmer foods and liquids after the first two days. You should also stick with soft foods for several days after the procedure.
Unless your dentist directs you to keep eating soft foods, you can resume your regular diet after a few days. You should maintain good oral hygiene, including flossing and brushing, after the implant procedure as well. Your dentist will tell you when it is okay to begin brushing and flossing.
Lifelong Care Recommendations
Dental implants do not develop cavities. Still, you should take good care of them throughout your life. Good oral care will remove food particles and bacteria, thereby preventing bone loss, especially around the implants. In fact, poor dental implant care can lead to implant failure. As with your natural teeth, you need to brush your dental implants at least twice a day, especially after meals.
If you want to learn more about dental implants and how to care for them, visit Boss Dental Care in Corpus Christi, Texas. You can also call 361-245-5400 to schedule a dental implant consultation.
