Dental Implant Surgery Post-Op Instructions

It’s surprising how easy and painless dental implant surgery can be. Thanks to technological advancements and meticulous planning ahead, implant implantation is a very straightforward minor surgical procedure.  However, dental implant aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth recovery.

What Should I Expect After Dental Implant Treatment?

After having a dental implant surgery, you will need to maintain daily dental hygiene for the best possible care of your implants. You must make a commitment to maintaining the health of your mouth, teeth, and implants, just like you would with natural teeth. “You can expect your implants to last for many years if they are well-maintained and if the bone they are fitted into is strong and healthy,” states the Oral Health Foundation.

Avoid touching the incision or sutures for 2 weeks after surgery. The healed abutment, which pokes through the gum tissue, may be seen as a white or metal substance. With a healing abutment to create the gum opening where the future tooth would be positioned, this post is fastened to the implant. Chewing on your gums in this area might cause pressure and food particles to impede the healing of your implant.

Post-Operative Instructions: Dental Implants

Understanding the critical steps for a comfortable and safe recovery is vital after undergoing dental implant surgery. By taking these steps to prevent infection and other consequences, you can avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. This guide outlines essential care instructions to follow post-surgery.

• What to Expect the First 24 Hours After Surgery?

Immediately after surgery, bite down gently on the provided gauze for 30 minutes, limiting jaw movement and speech to prevent disruption of the wound.

For the first 24 hours post-operation, avoid rinsing or spitting to reduce the risk of bleeding and potential impact on wound healing.

Refrain from stretching your lips and cheeks to view the operation area, and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 7 days post-operation.

• Managing Bleeding After Surgery

To stop bleeding after oral surgery, bite down on moistened gauze or a teabag with constant pressure for 1 hour. Adjust the gauze to minimize blood exiting the socket. Check for further bleeding at the end of each hour. It may take 3-4 hours for the bleeding to stop.

It’s normal to experience minor bleeding or leakage in the surgical area within the first 24 hours after surgery. Consider covering your pillow the night of surgery to prevent minor oozing and drooling. Keeping your head elevated, particularly during sleep, can help minimize bleeding.

• Addressing Discomfort and Pain Following Surgery

It’s normal to experience some discomfort after surgery. The first 12–24 hours are usually when the most discomfort is experienced. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help you manage your pain.

The painkillers should be taken at least an hour before the first dose of antibiotics. The full prescription of antibiotics must be taken as directed.

• Diet After Oral Surgery Recommendations

Avoid consuming food or beverages until the effects of anaesthesia wear off. It is essential to stay hydrated, but avoid using straws. Start with soft and cold foods like ice cream and yoghurt on the first day, and gradually return to your normal diet.

• Oral Care Post-Operation

1. Initial Oral Care: For the first 12 hours post-surgery, do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth.
2. Gradual Oral Hygiene: After 12 hours, resume brushing, excluding the wound area. Use prescribed mouthwash as directed. The day after surgery, gently brush all teeth, including the wound area, using a soft toothbrush.

• Managing Swelling

Swelling is a common post-surgical reaction, peaking at 48 hours and subsiding within 4 to 6 days. For the first two days after surgery, apply cold to the surgical area. After 48 hours, use heat to reduce swelling.

• Dealing with Bruising and Jaw Stiffness

After surgery, it’s common to experience minor bruising and stiffness in the surgical area. Minor bruising in the surgical area is normal and should fade within 7 to 14 days. Stiffness and limited mouth opening post-surgery are normal, resolving within 5 to 10 days.

• Care for Surgical Stitches

If you have stitches, your doctor should remove them within 7 to 10 days. Leaving the stitches in for too long can cause complications such as infection, scarring, and delayed healing. Therefore, it is best to follow your doctor’s instructions to have the stitches removed within the recommended timeframe.

• When to Consult Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience extreme pain uncontrolled by medication, persistent bleeding, increasing swelling, fever, or have any concerns.

Ensuring a Smooth and Comfortable Recovery

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery process. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or experience unusual symptoms post-surgery. Schedule a free consultation appointment with us today!