Dental implants can replace missing teeth and help restore your oral health. However, while they are perfectly safe when installed by a professional Henrico cosmetic dentist, they still require post-operative care on your part. While you will receive specific care instructions from your Short Pump family dentist, here are some basic guidelines to follow as you recover from receiving dental implants.
Protecting the Surgical Site
You may experience some bleeding and swelling for several hours after receiving a dental implant. This is normal and isn't cause for alarm. Placing gauze over the surgical site and biting down gently to apply pressure should keep the bleeding to a minimum. You can remove the gauze once the active bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding seems severe or doesn't stop after a few hours, call our office for assistance.
As for the swelling, that can be kept under control with a cold pack wrapped in a towel. Place the cold pack on the swollen area and hold it in place for about 20 minutes at a time. Repeat this process as needed for the first 12 hours after your surgery.
Finally, rest in a semi-reclined position with your head above your heart. Try to avoid bending down, sucking through a straw, or rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours after your surgery. Rinsing can dislodge the blood clot in the surgical site and slow down the healing process. Avoid strenuous activity for the first three or four days after your surgery.
Rinsing and Brushing Your Teeth
You can begin brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth gently on the second day of your recovery. Brush your teeth two to three times a day, but avoid brushing your gums and the surgical site. Rinse your mouth gently after every meal with a cup of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If you were prescribed a rinsing solution, use it as directed.
Starting on day four, you can begin to rinse with a little more force. Continue rinsing after every meal and brushing your teeth two to three times a day for six weeks.
Diet
Soft foods are recommended for the first four weeks after your surgery. Cool, pureed foods, such as smoothies, are best for the first day, but avoid drinking them through a straw. Avoid hot liquids for the first 24 hours and alcohol for the first 48 hours. If you smoke, refrain from doing so for the first 10 days after your surgery. Smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol can disrupt the natural healing process and increase the chances of complications.
Regular Maintenance
Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a dental implant. An implant is a medical device and requires regular maintenance to function correctly. Continue brushing your teeth regularly, and massage the tissue around the implant once a week with your fingers. This will help create a flushing movement that will help remove harmful bacteria around the implant. Visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your implant is functioning correctly and integrating into your jawbone.
Visit Your Short Pump Family Dentist Today
If you're interested in receiving dental implants to replace missing teeth and restore your smile, we at Short Pump Dentistry will be happy to assist you. We proudly serve patients in Henrico, VA, and the surrounding areas, specializing in both cosmetic dentistry and general dental treatment.
To learn more about our services or if you're looking for a reliable cosmetic dentist in Henrico, visit Short Pump Dental in Henrico, VA, today.