Dental implants can complete your smile and enhance your confidence. After the procedure, proper care will help you avoid complications and ensure that your implants stay in good condition. If you’ll be having them put in, here’s what you need to know about the aftercare process. 

What Patients Should Know About Dental Implant Aftercare

What Can You Expect After the Procedure?

Following the procedure, you may experience some bleeding, pain, and swelling. Your dentist will likely send you home with gauze over the implant areas. Keep it in place for an hour before changing it, gently biting down.

Bleeding is normal for about 24 to 48 hours after your implant procedure, but call your dentist if it’s severe or persists beyond two days. Your dentist will likely instruct you to avoid any activity for the rest of the day and to refrain from exercise for about three days. 

What Can You Eat or Drink?

Eat soft foods for about two weeks. These can include options like mashed potatoes, soups, scrambled eggs, apple sauce, cottage cheese, and oatmeal. Avoid any hard foods like nuts and popcorn, as these can damage your healing gums. You can consume most drinks, such as juice and water, but do not use a straw. 

How Else Can You Aid the Healing Process?

Careful oral hygiene is one of the most important parts of your aftercare, as it will help you avoid an infection. Your dentist may ask you to avoid brushing your teeth until the night of your surgery. When you do brush, avoid the implant area. Also, do a salt water rinse daily starting 24 hours after your procedure; do this two to three times per day. 

Patients should also avoid forcefully blowing their noses in the weeks after surgery, as this can put too much pressure on the sinuses and dental roots. Also, don’t smoke during the days following your procedure. If you experience any complications, contact your dentist right away.

When you need a dental implant procedure, contact Dr. David K. Skeels. Located in Rochester, NY, Dr. Skeels offers a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry services. When you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile, these professionals will provide teeth whitening, bonding, and orthodontics. Visit them online to view a full list of their services, or call (585) 467-7000 to make an appointment today.