Dental implants are a popular way to restore long-term health, function and beauty to your smile. Implants can replace teeth that have been lost or severely damaged and can be used for just one or several teeth. Dental implants are easy to care for and so comfortable you won’t notice it’s not your original tooth. But success with this surgical procedure requires some simple aftercare procedures to allow proper healing.

5 Aftercare Tips

1. Avoid Physical Activity

As with any surgical procedure, your physical activity should be kept to a minimum for a while. Exercise stimulates blood flow and can cause your surgical site to bleed excessively. You will also be consuming a limited diet after surgery and may not be properly fueled for a workout.

2. Watch Your Diet

On the day of surgery, stick to soft foods and avoid hot liquids such as coffee or hot tea. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Often you can return to a normal diet within a day or two, depending on the extent of your implants. Check with your dentist or hygienist for specific instructions.

3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Proper healing of dental implants comes from good hygiene. Your dentist will probably send you home with an oral rinse and recommend regular salt water rinses. This will help accelerate the healing process. Continue your usual brushing and flossing routine, but be gentle around your dental implants.

4. Take Your Medications

Above all, you must follow your dentist’s instructions for prescription medication dosage after surgery. You will probably get an antibiotic, with strict instructions to complete the full antibiotic course. You should follow this as well as any instructions your dentist provides for prescription pain medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for mild pain.

5. Reduce Bleeding & Swelling

It’s normal to have some swelling and bleeding around the implant, particularly in the first 24 hours. You can bite on a gauze pad to slow bleeding, but if you have excessive bleeding and a gauze pad doesn’t help, contact your dentist. For swelling, place an ice pack on the side of your face where the surgery was performed.

Getting dental implants is safe and typically requires little time to heal, but it’s still a surgical procedure. Follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain proper hygiene and you’ll be back to normal in no time.

Richard J. Mazour D.D.S. creates comfortable, positive dental experiences for patients in Beatrice, NE, seeking general dentistry, restorative procedures and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Mazour participates in regular ongoing education to provide you with the latest treatment options, and his friendly team is there to help you every step of the way. Have tooth pain that needs to be seen right away? Dr. Mazour offers emergency appointments. Call (402) 223-­5109 to schedule today or contact the office online with your questions.