After Dental Implants

Dental Implant Postoperative Care – The following information provides some useful tips to help aid the healing process of dental implants.

First and Second Week

Food & Drink: Avoid very hot drinks; do not eat hard, crusty, or sticky foods for two weeks as this can cause more pressure on the dental implant. Avoid any excessive pressure onto the teeth implants/dressing area. You should only eat soft nutritious food for two weeks. Maintain a soft, high protein diet. Avoid pushing your tongue near the dental implant area for at least 2-4 weeks.

Medication: Take antibiotics and pain relieving pills as prescribed. Only take pain killers as needed.

Hygiene: Avoid brushing the area for two days, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with Pride mouthwash twice a day for two weeks; thereafter, discontinue using Peridex as a mouthwash, but swab the implant site and healing screw with a Q-tip or toothbrush soaked in Peridex until your final crown is placed. This keeps the implant area clean and undisturbed. Do not use a tooth pick or touch the dental implant with your tongue. Avoid use of an electric toothbrush or waterpick in the region until your final crown is placed.

Exercise: Avoid physical exertion (i.e. sports, heavy lifting etc.) for five (5) days. This can cause bleeding around the dental implant.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol for 1 week as this can affect the healing of the tissues around the dental implant.

Smoking: Avoid smoking for 2 weeks before treatment and 2 weeks after. It is advised to discontinue smoking completely to increase the success of your implant integration (healing).

Ice Packs: A cold icepack should be applied externally over the treated area as needed or desired. Alternate on/off for 20 minutes for up to 24 hours. This helps reduce swelling. Use beyond 24 hours will not help swelling; however it may minimize pain.

Third Week until final Implant Crown

Lightly brush the dental implant area. You can dip your toothbrush in Peridex liquid and brush gently around the treated areas. Avoid use of an electric toothbrush or waterpick in the region until your final crown is placed. Resume normal diet and activity.

INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE DOCTOR

Different people recover from dental implant surgery at different rates. Depending on the nature of the surgery, your age and your individual recovery capacity, you may expect to get back to your regular routine in 2 – 4 days.

We have made every effort to give you all the information you will need for a rapid recovery. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to visit our website or contact my office. Should you need to reach the Doctor after hours, call the office at 817.552.3223 and you will be instructed on how to get in contact with the Doctor. Thank you for trusting my office with your treatment.