Dental implants are a gold standard tooth replacement option because they give patients a beautiful, functional, and healthy new smile. While dental implants give patients a restorative new smile, they need to take proper care of their dental implants in Williamsville, NY right after they have been placed.  There are numerous ways people should take care of their dental implants post-surgery. Continue reading to learn what exactly people should post dental implant surgery.

HOW YOU SHOULD TAKE CARE OF YOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN WILLIAMSVILLE, NY, POST SURGERY

There are a number of things people should do after their dental implant surgery. The following are the specific ways people should take care of their dental implants, post-surgery.

Maintain Oral Hygiene

While it's essential for people to keep the surgical site of their newly placed dental implants clean, it's equally important not to disturb the surgical area during the initial dental implant healing phase. This means avoiding brushing, flossing, or rinsing vigorously around the dental implant site for the first few days following the surgery.  After the initial dental implant healing period has ended, the patient can gently clean the area with a prescribed antimicrobial rinse or a warm saltwater solution.

Rest And Avoid Driving

If sedation dentistry was used during the patient’s dental implant procedure, it's imperative for them to rest for the remainder of the day. Sedation dentistry can leave people feeling groggy and driving or operating heavy machinery is unsafe until the effects of it have entirely worn off. Having a friend or family member accompany patients to their dental implant appointment to provide transportation is recommended.

Manage Discomfort

It's normal to experience some discomfort after having dental implant surgery. The skilled and trusted oral surgeon will likely prescribe pain medications to help manage pain. Dental implant patients should take these medications as directed, but they should avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Soft Diet

For the first few days following dental implant surgeries, patients should stick to a soft diet that won’t put excessive pressure on the surgical site. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies are good choices. Dental implant patients should avoid having hot, spicy, and crunchy foods during their dental implant healing time.

Avoid Smoking And Alcohol

Smoking can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of dental implant failure. It's crucial for dental implant patients to refrain from smoking during the entire healing period. Additionally, dental implant patients should avoid consuming alcohol in the days following their surgery, as it can interfere with medications they are taking and impair their healing process.

Sutures Removal

If non-dissolvable sutures were used, the oral surgeon will typically remove them one to two weeks following their dental implant surgery.

Healing Time

Dental implant surgeries are a multi-step process, and full healing can take time. While the initial recovery period typically lasts a few days to a week, complete osseointegration, where the dental implant fully fuses with the jawbone, usually takes two to four months. During this time, it's essential for the dental implant patient to follow the oral surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor their healing progress.

Maintain Regular Dental Checkups

Once the dental implant has fully integrated with the patient’s jawbone, it's essential for that patient to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings to ensure that they are a long-term success.

SEE US NOW SO WE CAN HELP YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS POST-SURGERY

At our caring and advanced office, we not only expertly treat you with dental implants, we help you take care of those dental implants post-surgery. Why wait to learn how to take care of your newly placed dental implants with us? Get in contact with our doctors, s, Dr. Sanil B. Nigalye and Dr. Amy Bryan and our exceptional team at our office by Williamsville, NY to schedule your consultation!