Important Tips For Aftercare
You now have a new implant in place and you hear your dentist give you aftercare instructions. Be sure to take the plan to heart as it can spell the success of your implant journey. Your aftercare program can prevent infection, help make your implant last as long as it can, and, effectively bring you to enjoy good oral health. Here are the most important tips.
At home, try to rest and wait until the effects of the anesthetic wears off. It is normal to experience slight discomfort and pain. Take anti-pain meds as needed if your dentist prescribed them. If swelling is present, apply cold compress – an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area in the first 24-48 hrs.
After the first 24 hours of your surgery, and if there is no bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2 to 3 times a day to hasten healing. Use a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Avoid any strenuous activities for several days as healing may go faster when you are rested.
Your diet after surgery is important. Avoid extremely hot and spicy foods and beverages because they can irritate the surgical site. Opt for soft foods and avoid chewing near the surgical site. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy products. Proper nutrition supports the healing process.
Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps maintain a moist oral environment, which is conducive to faster healing. It also helps to flush out bacteria or debris that may have collected around the implant site. This can help prevent infection.
Maintain good oral hygiene as you would your natural teeth – twice daily brushing and daily flossing.
There are special toothbrushes specifically designed for dental implants which have soft-bristles. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and apply only mild flossing especially in the site area. A few seconds of rinsing (not swishing) with saline water is an effective mouth wash.
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol is part of implant aftercare. Nicotine and alcohol slow down the healing process and can harm.
Keep your dentist appointment as agreed upon. You may have to visit more often than every 6 months to track your progress and spot early signs of infection, if any.
SourceDental Implant Aftercare in Federal Way
Rest assured that when you have your dental implant at West Campus Dental, your aftercare will be one of your best experiences here in Federal Way.