Dental implant surgery is a popular procedure that can fully restore your smile and provide a secure device to eat solid, hard foods. Beloved because of its permanency and easy care routine, dental implants are often put in place with ease and can last up to a lifetime. If you are considering having the surgery done, you may be wondering what the process looks like and how the recovery goes. Here are 5 tips on recovering from dental implants.
Control bleeding.
After dental implants, a small amount of bleeding is normal in the following 24 hours of surgery. Keeping your head elevated, use gauze to gently bite down and reduce bleeding. Pressure can be applied for 30 minutes, but be cautious that you are not biting hard. It should be a gentle application of pressure, and not painful.
Manage pain.
Dental implant pain management is important for your health and well-being following the procedure. If you have a painkiller approved by the surgeon, take them on the suggested schedule. You can also use cold packs or heating pads, gently pressed against the mouth to alleviate pain. Cold packs can also help ease swelling and bruises.
Maintain oral hygiene.
This step is critical in your healing journey. Maintaining oral hygiene will help prevent infection and will promote efficient, fast healing. Rinse with warm salt water to fight bacterial growth.
Get enough rest.
When your body is healing it needs more rest than an average day. Be sure to not schedule any commitments the day of or immediate days following your dental implant surgery. You should rest as much as you can the day of, and be sure to avoid physical activities for several days until you feel better.
Take prescriptions.
If you are prescribed antibiotics, a mouthwash, or painkillers, be sure to follow your surgeons instructions precisely. This will ensure your highest chances of having a successful recovery.
Conclusion
If you have any questions about recovering from dental implants, or need to see an oral surgeon, contact Shawn B. Davis at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, (435) 238-7083 today.