What you do after a dental implant surgery can greatly affect the success rate of your operation. So, be sure to follow aftercare instructions from your dental specialist to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. In the meantime, here are some dos and don’ts you need to know after the operation.
What to Do
- Get Enough Rest
Resting up can assist in your body’s ability to heal. So, after your surgery, clear up your schedule, and take as much rest as you can. When lying down, keep your head elevated to ensure that blood is circulating properly. This will help prevent painful swelling and excessive bleeding.
- Take Medications and Ice Up
The anesthesia from the surgery will eventually wear off, and pain will start to creep in. Taking your medication as prescribed by the doctor will manage this and other post-op symptoms. If your face is swelling, place an ice pack over the area for about 30 minutes at a time in the next 18 hours after your surgery.
- Eat Meals with Precaution
After your operation, your doctor will place you on a liquid and soft foods diet. Your teeth and jaw will be very sensitive, so you should avoid chewing near the surgical site. Also, try to stick to nutritious and hearty meals like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and cold soups.
What Not to Do
- Strenuous Activities
Too much strain on the operated area can lead to swelling and excessive bleeding. For this reason, you should hold off on doing strenuous activities like running, at least for the first few days after the surgery.
- Consuming Hot Foods and Drinks
In the first 24-48 hours after your surgery, avoid eating or drinking anything hot. Bleeding might still be present during this time, and consuming hot food and drinks worsens it.
- Smoking
Poor lifestyle habits like smoking can affect your recovery time. Cigarette smoke can damage the oral tissues and salivary glands causing mouth dryness. This may result in tooth decay and gum disease that can weaken the bones and gums supporting your dental implants.
Your Teeth are in Good Hands!
At Exceptional Dental of LA, we’ll ensure you get a safe dental implant surgery recovery. We’ll monitor your progress, schedule follow-up check-ups, and provide you with dental implant post-op instructions. Call us today or visit our nearest location to find out if you qualify for the treatment!
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