Dental implant aftercare: how to take good care of your implants?
Dental implant aftercare is the key to a longlasting treatment. Indeed, a dental implant is not only playing the role of a natural tooth with its natural looking result and strength to allow you to properly eat. It is also requirering the same attention as a natural tooth, if not more; good hygiene and high care.
So here is everyhting you need to know about dental implant aftercare!
1. What is the post-operative course?
After a dental implant is placed, some short term benign reactions may appear. Our dental surgeon clarifies what you can expect in the days following the surgery:
- Mild bleeding
Getting a dental implant is a surgical procedure. It is therefore normal to see some mild bleeding from the surgery.
In order to minimise bleeding, Dr Rodriguez and the EL CEDRO Barcelona medical team have mastered a technique known as FLAPLESS (placing the implant without opening the gum). By placing the implant without incising the gum, bleeding is rare, in fact non-existent.
- Mild pain
We don’t all have the same pain threshold. Nevertheless, placing a dental implant causes very little pain for the vast majority of patients. Only some pain relief and antibiotics are required to reduce pain and prevent possible infections.
Keep in mind that it is easier to prevent pain than combat it. That is why, Dr Rodriguez will prescribe pain relief prior to the operation. In the days following surgery, it is important to meticulously take the medication prescribed by your dental surgeon so as not to have pain before taking the next dose.
- Mild swelling and haematoma
Mild swelling and some bruising may occur following a dental implant placement. Rest assured that this is normal and won’t last longer than a few days.
Dr Rodriguez and her team will provide you with ice to place on the operated area for the first 20 minutes. Anti-inflammatories will also be prescribed to you.
2. What is the necessary dental implant aftercare?
In order to limit uncomfortable effects and guarantee the chances of treatment success, your dental surgeon will recommend to follow some simple dental implant aftercare instructions.
- Brushing your teeth
Brush your teeth gently, a minimum of 3 times per day, by using a surgical tooth brush provided by the EL CEDRO clinic. Don’t forget to brush your gums properly to facilitate the healing process and avoid inflammation.
- Using mouth wash
Use mouth wash for 10 days after the surgery. Use the mouth wash you will have been prescribed by your dental surgeon in the correct frequency.
- Respect food indications
For the first 7 days, you must eat only slightly warm or cold food. This is so the swelling does not occur.
For the entire healing period, you must have soft food only, to not put any strain on the implants.
- Avoid consuming tobacco and alcohol
It is strongly recommended that you do not smoke or drink alcohol for your dental implant aftercare. It could otherwise slow down the healing process.
- Avoid sports activities
We recommend that you not play sports the next 2 days after the dental implants have been placed. If you have had a sinus lift or bone graft, you must wait 30 days.
The post-operative course of an implant surgery will not last longer than 10 days. This is a small price to pay for regaining your smile and restoring your mouth to full health.
