Things to Keep in Mind After a Dental Implant Surgery
The hours and days after a tooth implant surgery are extremely crucial. What happens to you during this time can significantly affect your healing process. And to help ensure you won’t develop complications, you will be closely monitored by your dentist. If it’s your first time undergoing a tooth implant process, here are some things you need to keep in mind after the procedure:
Driving
The anesthesia used during surgery can take one to three hours to wear off. During this period, you may feel disoriented, groggy, and possibly experience blurry vision. So, driving within 24 hours post-treatment is highly discouraged. See to it that someone takes you home after the procedure.
Food and Drink Intake
In the first six hours after the surgery, you will be limited to a diet that requires minimal to no chewing. This includes smoothies, cold soup, mashed potatoes, and so on. After that period, you can move on to soft solids like pasta, cooked vegetables, pancakes, and eggs.
Be sure to stay clear of hot food and liquids as they can irritate the incision site. Using a straw is also not advisable because it creates a suction in the mouth that may cause bleeding in the implant area.
Post-Surgery Discomfort and Pain
Pain or discomfort is common after the surgery and will gradually subside in a few days. If it becomes unbearable, our doctors may prescribe over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Swelling of the face might also be noticeable a few days after the procedure. It can be reduced by applying an ice pack over the affected area.
Oral Hygiene and Aftercare
You can brush your teeth 24 hours after the surgery. A mouth rinse with a ¼ teaspoon to 1 glass of water ratio is also advisable to avoid infections.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today!
At Exceptional Dental of LA, we offer long-lasting and natural-looking dental implants that will help you restore confidence in your smile. Our doctors will walk you through the tooth implant process and answer any questions you might have. Schedule an appointment now to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.