Recovery after implant surgery is vital to the success of your dental implants. As with any surgery, this includes following your surgeon’s directions for postoperative care as well as getting sufficient rest to allow your body to heal.
Before you see your oral surgeon for dental implant surgery, you can take some measures that will help you recover more quickly and thoroughly from your procedure.
- If you smoke, stop at least two weeks before surgery. Smoking reduces blood flow to the tissues and adversely affects the body’s ability to heal.
- Have any gum disease or inflammation treated. Gum disease greatly reduces the likelihood of successful implant surgery.
- Allow any necessary bone grafts or other preliminary surgeries to heal. You might need a bone graft or a sinus lift to ensure you have enough bone mass to support your new dental implants. These procedures can require several weeks of healing before implant surgery can proceed.
What You Can Do After Your Surgery
Your oral surgeon will provide you with guidelines for how to care for your mouth after your dental implants have been placed. Many of these guidelines are similar to those for aftercare for any form of oral surgery.
- Take a day or two to rest. Resting helps your body heal that much faster. Plan to take a few days off work so you won’t push things too hard and delay healing.
- Take all prescribed medications as instructed. This will probably include painkillers and antibiotics to keep you comfortable and reduce the likelihood of infection.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling. Your oral surgeon will provide you with guidelines.
- Stick to soft foods. This will help prevent you from disturbing your incisions and give them time to heal. You also should avoid brushing your teeth for a day or so, according to instructions.
Taking good care of your mouth after dental implant surgery is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the long-term success of your implants. By following all the aftercare instructions you’re provided with, you can be well on your way to enjoying your new teeth.
Call us at the office of Dr. Peak to schedule an appointment and to discuss your own personal care with our expert team.