The Do and Don’ts after Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is an effective method of replacing teeth and improving smiles. The implants and dental crowns mimic your natural teeth in appearance and function. Dental implants in Ancaster, ON, can replace a single tooth or several. The implants may also be used to anchor dentures in place.

However, this tooth replacement procedure does not end with the surgery but continues until recovery. Inappropriate aftercare can compromise the process, leading to dental implant failure. Therefore, you must be involved in the recovery process at home and during follow-up visits at the dentist near you. Here are some aftercare instructions that will influence the success of your implants.

Dos of Dental Implant Care

After the dental implant surgery:

• • Follow all the instructions from your dentist in Ancaster, ON. They will help you heal fast without any side effects.
  • Rinse your mouth using a warm saltwater solution 2-3 times each day 24 hours after the surgery. Whoosh the solution gently in your mouth and let it flow out instead of spitting out. The solution helps remove food debris from the mouth and prevents bacteria from forming.
  • Consume a liquid diet for the first 24 hours since the operated area will be sore and swollen. Once the discomfort dissipates, switch to a soft diet that does not require much chewing. Ensure that your food is rich in nutrients and vitamins A and C to speed recovery.

• Take the prescribed medication to relieve swelling and discomfort and prevent infections. Do not skip the pain relievers even when not in pain.
• Maintain your oral hygiene to prevent plaque formation, leading to implant failure once it reaches the implant. Use an inter-dental toothbrush and unwaxed dental floss to clean your teeth. They will ensure the area around the implant is appropriately cleaned. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth. Also, rinse your mouth often with an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
• Also, slice fruits and large pieces of food instead of cutting them with your teeth. Doing this will help protect the strength of the dental implants.
• Attend all the scheduled follow-up visits where the dentist will monitor your recovery. Continue attending routine dental visits to our dental clinic near you in Ancaster, ON, for dental exams and cleanings. The dental team will help you prevent future tooth loss.

What Can You Not Do after Tooth Implant Surgery?

The following instructions will accelerate healing and implant failure after the dental implant surgery:

• Don’t brush your teeth or floss within the first 24 hours after surgery. Instead, gently brush your teeth 24 hours after the procedure. You may also wait until you can open your mouth wide enough. However, do not brush near the dental implant or spit the water out. Instead, incline your head to let it flow out of your mouth.
• Avoid taking liquids using straws or spit forcefully immediately after the procedure. They may interfere with the blood clot and lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco immediately after the surgery. It may introduce bacteria into the operated area and cause infection. Nicotine also constricts blood vessels, leading to dental implant failure. So, avoid smoking at least three days after the surgery.
• Avoid participating in strenuous activities for a few days after surgery. They may increase bleeding and swelling.
• Keep drinking alcohol immediately after surgery. It can mix with the prescribed medications and cause serious complications.
• Do not eat sticky or hard foods such as taffy, gummy candies, caramel apples, or popcorn. Wait until the site heals. Eating them will strain your mouth and jaw, causing pain. They may also dislodge the clot or interfere with the titanium post before integrating with the jawbone.
• Do not take hot foods or beverages for a few days after the oral surgery. They may interfere with the formed blood clot and delay healing.
• Don’t use a brand of toothpaste containing baking soda or activated charcoal. They are too abrasive for the implant tooth.
• Do not open packages or bottles with the implant teeth since the dental crown may chip or break. It will interfere with your smile and require you to visit a dental office near you for restoration.