4 Ways To Care For Your Mouth After Implant Surgery
Following dental implant surgery, it is important that you take good care of your implants and natural teeth to avoid complications. If you do suffer a complication, there is a chance that your implants could fail. To avoid this possibility, here are some ways you can help your recovery after implant surgery.
Ice the Area
Swelling is a common after effect of dental implant surgery. The swelling usually subsides after a few days, but it can be discomforting. To help reduce the swelling, you can gently apply ice packs to the outside of your face. After a few days, you can switch to using a warm compress. The warm compress helps to promote blood circulation, which is important to the healing process.
Take the Prescribed Medications
After the surgery, it is possible that your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic and pain reliever. It is imperative that you take both as recommended. Infection is a possibility from the surgery and can lead to the implant failing. It is preventable by the antibiotic.
Your dentist might also prescribe a medicated mouth rinse to help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. As with the antibiotics, it is important that it is used as directed.
Eat Soft Foods
Even though you now have a full set of teeth, you have to be careful with your diet the first few weeks after surgery. A diet consisting of soft foods is usually in order. Avoid hard foods, such as pretzels and chips. These foods can put unnecessary pressure on your implants and lead to failure.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
In addition to using the recommended mouth rinse, you need to keep up with brushing and flossing. In the first few days after surgery, it can be very difficult to do so due to the pain and swelling. Your dentist might recommend that you rely solely on the mouth rinse during that period.
When you do brush and floss, do not brush the dental implant until you are instructed to do so by the dentist. You also need to avoid brushing any sutures. You can also wash your mouth with saltwater to help with cleaning and any swelling you are experiencing.
Your dentist will provide you with additional after-surgery instructions that you can use to help keep your recovery on track. If you have trouble with your implants, contact a dentist (such as one from http://accentdentalnwi.com/) immediately so that he or she can assess your condition and help treat the issue.
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