In order for dental implant treatment to be a success and to enjoy the comfort, aesthetics and resistance that dental implants offer, special attention must be paid to the postoperative period.
If you are having implant surgery, you may have wondered how best to care for your dental implants after surgery. We tell you in this article.
Post-operative care for dental implant surgery
The postoperative period after dental implant surgery may cause discomfort, the level of which will depend on factors such as the number of implants placed, if grafts have been used, or the bone characteristics of the patient.
Each clinical case is different and requires specific care, which is why we recommend, above all, following the advice of the specialist who performed the surgery. However, there are a series of generic and recommended guidelines for the postoperative period of any dental implant surgery.
Conscientious and thorough oral hygiene
Just because we do not have natural teeth, we should not ignore oral hygiene; in fact, it is essential to ensure the long-term survival of the implant or implants.
Once 24 hours have passed since the operation, you can (and should) start brushing your teeth as usual after every meal, but very carefully to avoid damaging the implanted area and preferably with a soft bristle toothbrush.
The accumulation of bacteria around the implant can cause peri-implant pathologies, which can lead to rejection of the implant.
In addition to brushing, it is advisable to rinse your mouth (with chlorhexidine prescribed by the doctor), and you can also complement your hygiene with dental floss or interproximal brushes, as well as irrigators for areas that are difficult for the toothbrush to reach.
It is very important not to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for 24 hours after surgery, as this can cause bleeding at the stitches and compromise the healing process.
Check-ups are essential
After the operation, and so that the specialist can check that the treatment is on track, it is advisable to go for a check-up between 7 and 10 days after the surgery.
In the long term, it will be the dentist himself who determines the frequency of these check-ups (normally every 4-6-12 months), to which it is vital to go so that he can carry out clinical and radiographic checks of the implant, as well as the relevant removal of plaque and tartar.
These check-ups are necessary even if the dental implant has been in place for years, or even if we have the feeling that everything is in order, as there are diseases that, in their earliest stages, have no symptoms, and diagnosing them as soon as possible is the key to controlling them.
Most common symptoms after dental implant surgery
As we have already mentioned, discomfort during the first 48-72 hours is common and normal.
To relieve swelling, a cold compress or some ice can be applied, and for bleeding, place a dry gauze pad over the area and bite it to keep it in place. Replace it with a clean one as often as necessary.
Your dentist will prescribe the appropriate medication for your case.
If you see that the inflammation or bleeding does not subside 3 days after the intervention, or you feel symptoms of other complications, such as dry alveolitis, it is recommended that you see a specialist.
What to eat after implant surgery?
Avoid eating and drinking for the first 2 hours after surgery, or at least until the anaesthesia has worn off completely. Once this time has elapsed, the best thing to do is to eat cold or lukewarm and, above all, soft foods.
Hotter foods or foods with a harder texture could influence the osseointegration process, something that can also be caused by poor chewing, so if you avoid chewing on the operated area, even better.
Other recommendations for a successful postoperative period
- Do not smoke during the months following surgery. The effects of smoking on dental implants are as adverse as for natural teeth: it favours the development of infections, slows healing and hinders osseointegration.
- Avoid intense physical exercise for at least one week after surgery to better control inflammation, bleeding and pain.
- Avoid sudden pressure changes (flying or diving).
- Do not drink alcohol.
- If you have a bruxism, you will need an occlusal splint to reduce unintentional pressure on the dental implants.
- The first night, try to sleep with your head elevated.
These tips will help you maximise the durability and stability of your new dental implants, and we remind you that, for the best long-term results, it is best to follow the specifications of the specialist who conducts your procedure.
