After getting dental implant surgery, you may have questions about what to expect. You have made a big investment in your health and well-being, so it’s important to know what to do after your surgery. Here are some tips on how to care for yourself afterward:
Bleeding after surgery
You may have some bleeding from the surgical site. This is normal and can last for up to a week after surgery. You should be able to return to your normal activities in 4 days, but avoid brushing your teeth for at least 24 hours after surgery. Avoid using straws or sucking on hard candies until your doctor says it’s OK.
If you experience heavy bleeding or persistent pain, contact our office immediately so we can assess the situation and determine how to proceed.
Pain control
You will be given painkillers to make you comfortable. It will most likely be a prescription painkiller and an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
You may want to get back to normal quickly following surgery because you feel much better! But wait until your doctor gives permission. Lying flat on your back in the first 24 hours after dental implant surgery helps minimize swelling in your mouth. This tactic also allows healing time for soft tissue and bone grafting surrounding the implants.
Home Care
For the first two days after your surgery, you should eat as soft a diet as possible. Avoid any food or drink that could irritate the surgical site.
If you have pain, use the pain medication as directed. Contact your dentist immediately if your discomfort becomes severe or fails to improve with over-the-counter medications. Call your dentist if you have bleeding from around the implant site or swelling in that area that lasts longer than two days after surgery; this could signal an infection requiring medical attention.
Do not drink alcohol while on antibiotics.
- Do not drink alcohol while on antibiotics. Alcohol can interact with antibiotics and cause various side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Also, you may experience dizziness or lack of coordination during your recovery period.
Chatham Dentist: Implant Surgery Aftercare
If you have recently undergone dental implant surgery, it is time to get back on your feet and start living again. To make sure you do not cause complications with your implants, here are a few tips to follow:
- Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated.
- Brush your teeth twice daily with an electric or regular toothbrush (not a hard brush).
- Floss gently after brushing to remove bits of food from between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.
- If you have any questions about how long it is safe to wait before resuming normal activities after dental implant surgery, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help in any way we can!
If you have any questions, call your trusted Chatham dentist at 226-494-4000 if you have any questions—we will be happy to assist you.
