Dental implant placement is a very common restorative dentistry procedure to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant mimics the natural tooth root, restoring the functionality of your teeth. Since the metal implant is typically made of titanium, it is completely safe from tooth decay. Even though dental implant care isn’t too difficult, there are a few steps you need to take to care for your oral health and the longevity of the implants.

How Can I Manage Swelling and Discomfort?

Experiencing swelling, discomfort, and some bleeding after your dental implant surgery is completely normal. However, you will note improvements in your symptoms within just a few days.

Discomfort is typically managed through over-the-counter pain medicines, such as ibuprofen, that also help considerably reduce swelling. If you find the pain unbearable, you can ask your prosthodontist to prescribe pain medication for you.
You can also control swelling by applying ice intermittently to the affected area. Patients are also required to take antibiotics after the procedure. It is critical that you complete the entire course of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection and implant failure.

When Can I Resume Eating and Drinking Normally?

You need to be very careful about what you eat and drink for a few days after your implant surgery. It is preferable that you stick to eating only soft and non-spicy foods and avoid hot liquids for a few days. Most people are able to return to their normal diet within 4-5 days. However, even if you do return to your normal diet, you should still avoid biting or chewing any hard items until the area of your implant is completely healed.

Oral Care

Maintaining good oral hygiene is pivotal for the success of implants, but you shouldn’t disrupt the healing process with excessive cleaning.

You should cautiously brush and floss around the implant on the day of surgery but avoid rinsing it. In the following days, you can rinse your mouth several times a day using a warm saline solution. A few days after the surgery, you may need to clean the implant and abutment with a Q-tip and an appropriate cleaning solution.

Once the implant has settled in, it is supposed to be treated like your natural teeth. Implant care entails regular brushing and flossing, use of mouthwash, and professional cleanings.

How Can I Avoid Potential Problems?

There are many benefits of implants, including the restoration of bite force. However, one of the main reasons implants fail is due to the trauma caused by excessive bite force or pressure during the first few days after surgery. This is why it is critical to avoid hard foods until an implant settles in comfortably.

Another major issue that impacts the longevity and success of implants is insufficient oral hygiene. Right after the implant process, you need to follow the precise cleaning instructions given by your prosthodontist. Regular oral care is vital to reduce the chances of infections, bacteria, and plaque which can impact the overall success of your implants.

Schedule a consultation with us at Atlantic Dentistry to find out more about dental implants. Call us at 904 717-0335 to book a consultation.