Post-Op Care for Dental Implants

Proper post-op care is required after dental implant surgery for the procedure to be successful. 

Apart from regular hygiene, it is best to avoid touching or putting strain on the implant for the first two weeks after placement. Other recommendations include eating softer foods and chewing away from the implant during the integration process, for ten to twelve weeks.

It is crucial to follow these instructions to ensure the best possible healing and the procedure’s success.

During the dental implant post-op period, you may experience: 

• Bleeding

Slight bleeding is expected after implant surgery, and it may continue for several hours or up to 2-3 days. 

The bleeding can be stopped by placing a piece of gauze over the extraction site and gently biting down on it for 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, use the gauze for an additional 30 minutes. 

In case the bleeding continues for more than 3 days, contact Dr. Jayme A. Oliveira Filho at Alencar Family Dentistry and schedule a follow-up appointment.

• Swelling

Swelling is the body’s natural reaction to surgery and healing, so you will probably experience it for a few days after the surgery. After this period, the swelling will start to decrease. 

To reduce the swelling, place ice packs on your face for at least 20 minutes on and off for the first 24 hours. For the next two days, you can apply warm, moist compresses to the cheek.

• Medication / Pain

Some amount of discomfort accompanies most oral surgery. Pain medications can be prescribed and taken when necessary. All medication should be taken as per the recommended dosage.

In the first two weeks following insertion of the dental implant, Dr. O may recommend that you also use an antibacterial mouth rinse twice daily. 

• Diet

After intravenous sedation or general anesthetic, it’s best to eat liquid foods. After the effects of the anesthesia wear off, patients can progress to solid foods, making sure not to chew on the surgery site. 

• Oral Hygiene

To prevent infection and ensure healing, keep your mouth clean. Thoroughly rinse your mouth after each meal following the surgery and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to brush after meals and before going to bed. 

To learn more about post-op care for dental implants, call (757) 546-0301 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jayme A. Oliveira Filho at Alencar Family Dentistry in Chesapeake, Virginia.