A large number of people are intimidated by the word “surgery”. This is no exception when it comes to dental implant surgery. The truth is that dental implant surgery can be quite a blissful journey with the proper aftercare. 

It is true that the dental implant procedure is a lengthy one. However, the majority of the time allocated to the procedure is devoted to healing. We have dotted down some simple but very important do’s and don’ts to help you understand what proper post-dental implant surgery care looks like. 

Dental Implant Recovery Do’s

Do Prioritize Resting

One of the most powerful natural medicines when it comes to recovery from any surgery or illness is rest. Rest allows the body to focus on healing. Dental implant surgery is technically an outpatient procedure. This means that you will need to prioritize resting in the comfort of your home. That sounds a lot more cozy than resting anywhere else, if you ask us! 

Do Nourish Your Body with Nutritious Foods

The initial diet after a dental implant surgery consists of liquids and soft foods. This does not mean that you should not be mindful of the nutritional value that you are consuming. We highly recommend experimenting with wholefoods recipes such as hearty soups, vegetable purees, and smoothies. Remember, a liquid diet does not mean you need to be stuck with instant ramen noodles. The more nutritious your diet, the faster your recovery.

Do Keep the Surgical Area Cool and Reduce the Pain

It is normal to experience swelling after an oral surgery. Ice is your best friend during the first 18 hours post-surgery. You can ice your face for 30 minutes at a time to promote the reduction of swelling. 

You will also most likely begin to feel pain once the anesthetic wears off. Our team will send you home with prescribed painkillers to ease ache. Your best bet is to stick to the schedule that we recommended for the painkillers. This will help avoid the deeper sensations. 

Do Maintain Optimal Oral Hygiene Habits

This is the time to really focus on your oral hygiene habits. Your first step post-surgery will be to rinse your mouth with salt water 4 times a day. You will want to avoid flossing and brushing vigorously to ensure that no damage is done to the surgical area. The salt water rinses will help keep your mouth clear of debris and food particles that could turn into cavities if left unattended. 

Our team will give you the go ahead to floss and brush after examining the dental implant during your post-operation appointment. Please make sure that you do not skip this appointment. You will also want to schedule regular checkups and cleaning to keep your teeth at their optimal health moving forward. 

Dental Implant Recovery Don’ts

Don’t Try to Rush Through Your Recovery

Recovering from dental implant surgery takes time. Rushing the natural healing process will most likely be counterproductive. There is no need to rush back to your daily routine or work. We encourage you to take a week to prioritize your recovery. You will want to rest, nourish your body, and allow the natural process of healing to take place. The more you prioritize your recovery, the higher your chances of your dental implant lasting you a lifetime. 

Don’t Eat Hot Foods and Drinks

We understand that a hot cup of coffee or tea can be a source of joy for many. However, this is not the time for hot foods or drinks. Hot foods and drinks can cause burns in the mouth. This is amplified when you have recently gone through oral surgery and your mouth has areas that need to heal. Even if you are numb from your painkillers and do not feel the immediate effect of heat, please stay away from hot foods and drinks during this initial stage of recovery. 

Don’t Exercise

Exercising is great for the body and everyone should partake in some form of physical activity. Having said that, exercise should be paused during the initial stage of recovery from dental implant surgery. You will want to allow your body to fully focus on healing during this time. The motto to remember is “prioritize rest”. 

Don’t Fall Victim to Old Vices

Smoking and drinking are vices that have no place during your recovery from dental implant surgery. Smoking has been proven to have numerous negative effects on oral health. This is even more pronounced with dental implants. A vast number of dental implant patients lost their teeth due to poor lifestyle habits such as smoking. This is a good time to reconsider your choices and focus on healthy habits. 

Alcohol, on the other hand, can significantly interfere with the painkillers required post surgery. Consuming alcohol while taking painkillers can result in a complicated and prolonged healing journey. 

These simple do’s and don’ts can impact your healing process from dental implant surgery. We understand that you might have further questions and we want to invite you to contact us to discuss those during an appointment. Your dental implant recovery can be a smooth ride with the ride choices. We hope this information was helpful in preparing you for a strong healing.