Dental implants are a good solution to improve our dental health and replace missing teeth, their placement has a high success rate of more than 95%.
In this article we would like to recommend some guidelines that will help you to better manage the postoperative period and ensure the survival of the implants in the long term.
What care should be taken after a dental implant?
In the following, we would like to provide some general advice on hygiene and care of dental implants.
However, keep in mind that the specific recommendations will depend on each patient and are those offered by the implantologist who performed the surgery.
- Bleeding
The first two days after implant placement are usually the most uncomfortable.
Bleeding after surgery may last 24 to 48 hours.
To control bleeding, bite a gauze over the bleeding area, after a while, if it is very stained, change it for another one.
It is important to avoid any physical activity during the first 48 hours, stay at rest as long as possible.
During the first night, try to keep your head as high as possible at bedtime.
If after 48 hours the bleeding does not stop, please contact us to discuss the situation. - Diet
It is advisable to wait at least 2 hours after surgery to start drinking or eating anything.
During the first 24 hours after surgery, it is better to eat cold, semi-cold and soft foods, avoiding chewing on the operated area. - Tobacco
Smoking impairs osseointegration and implant longevity. The success rate decreases in patients who are smokers, both in the short and even in the long term.
It also does not mean that all smokers will necessarily experience rejection of their dental implants, but the chances are higher.
Therefore, we advise eliminating or reducing consumption during the first week after surgery, reducing problems in terms of tissue irritation, scarring or infections. - Mouth rinses
Do not perform mouth rinses during the first 24 hours after the procedure, this may raise the clot and cause bleeding.
From the day after the implant placement, you will be able to rinse gently with a mouthwash prescribed by the doctor. - Tooth brushing
After 24 hours following the procedure, you can brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after every meal, always avoiding the area of the mouth that has been operated on. - Inflammation
As a general rule, the swelling will remain for 48 to 72 hours after surgery.
You can apply cold to the area intermittently to relieve discomfort (ice or any frozen product). - Physical exercise
On the day of surgery, you should rest as much as possible and avoid moving around too much.
In addition, we advise you to suspend any physical activity during the first week after surgery.
Thus, you will avoid problems related to bleeding, inflammation or pain.
As we have seen, care, hygiene and post-implant revisions are vital to the long-term success of the treatment.
Until 7 days have passed, it is possible that all discomfort may not completely disappear, so during this period follow all the instructions of your implantologist.
Periodic postoperative check-ups
Remember that, for implant surgery to be a success, you not only have to follow these recommendations.
It is very important that, in addition to following all these tips, there is a routine control and comply with the established schedule of revisions, take it as part of the treatment. In this way we will ensure results.
In addition, in the event of any complications with the implants, they can be detected and dealt with in time.
Generally, revision after an implant placement procedure is every 6 months.
However, as we have clarified before, the best indications on the periodicity with which to go for consultation are those offered by the surgeon who performed the intervention.
If you have any doubts about implants or are interested in knowing more details, Zenit Clinic has specialized professionals with extensive training.
At Zenit Clinic we offer you an excellent treatment from start to finish. Call us for an appointment at 651826636.
Clínica dental de referencia en Alicante, especializada en tratamientos de estética dental, implantología y salud bucodental integral.
