What Not to Do After Dental Implant Surgery

Your dental implant placement surgery is your first step toward a complete, beautiful smile. You don’t want anything to compromise the success of your procedure. You can expect a short recovery, but simple mistakes can lead to complications. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your mouth heals correctly.

What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery

Your dentist will use sedation or anesthesia to keep you comfortable during your procedure. It can take several hours for the effects of any medications to wear off. You’ll be instructed to rest for 24 to 48 hours after your procedure. Here’s what you can expect during your recovery:

• Bleeding: It’s normal for your surgical site to bleed for a few hours. Gently biting on a piece of gauze can help control it.
• Swelling and Bruising: Applying cold compresses to your jaw, cheeks, and chin can reduce pain, swelling, and bruising. 
• Pain: Take an over-the-counter or prescribed pain reliever according to your dentist’s instructions.
• Diet Limitations: You’ll be instructed to follow a liquid diet for a couple of weeks before introducing soft foods.

Things to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery

A blood clot will need to form at the surgical site to allow the area to heal. If the clot is lost too soon, you can be at risk of complications, like increased pain and infections. 

In addition, you can’t put pressure on your implants. Your jawbone must fuse to your implant posts through a process called osseointegration. Pressure or movement of the posts can cause osseointegration to fail. Here’s how to avoid complications during your recovery to ensure the success of your procedure:

• Don’t spit, bend over, or suck through a straw to prevent dislodging the blood clot. 
• Avoid any strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks, as instructed by your dentist.
• Do not rinse your mouth vigorously to avoid losing the blood clot.
• Don’t eat any hard or chewing foods. Choose liquids, like soups and smoothies, until your dentist instructs you to introduce foods that require minimal chewing.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco because it can increase your risk of infections and delay healing.
• Don’t consume alcohol for at least 10 days because it can lower your body’s ability to heal and fight infections.

Your dentist will monitor your healing progression to determine when you can move on to the next step of your treatment plan. After placing abutments on your implant posts, your dentist will connect your new teeth. You’ll enjoy stunning results that can last for 30 years or more with the right aftercare, like brushing and flossing.

About Dr. Adriana Zaharie

Dr. Zaharie earned her dental degree from the University of Antioquia and has continued her education in dental anesthesia, dental implants, and many other advanced services. She creates personalized treatment plans using the latest technologies and techniques. Request an appointment through our website or call her office at (281) 657-7719.