How to take care of your dental implants during the postoperative period

With the advancement of techniques in implant surgery, such as guided virtual surgery and immediate loading implantology, recovery in the postoperative period is faster, less discomfort appears and the patient enjoys the result, fixed teeth, from the first day.

However, there are some tips that patients can follow to take care of your dental implants after the operation and that will help not only to pass these days almost without realizing it, but also to increase the chances of success of the implants in the medium and long term.

1. Do not eat any solid food until the effect of anesthesia and the feeling of numbness in the mouth have worn off. This will prevent self-injury to the tongue and lip, as they will remain asleep for up to three to four hours.
2. A slight bleeding may occur in the hours after the intervention. In this case, apply a gauze pad with light pressure on the gum until the bleeding stops. It is normal that some blood may come out in the 48 hours following the intervention. If it does not stop, you should contact your trusted professional or go to a medical center.
3. In some cases fever also appears in the 72 hours after the intervention. Controlling the temperature and taking paracetamol may be enough, but if it does not subside within 24 hours, you should consult your trusted professional.
4. If inflammation appears, apply cold on the face, in the outer area where the implant is located. An anti-inflammatory or an analgesic will help you if there is discomfort. If there is a bruise, you can apply products such as Thrombocid© Forte or similar.
5. During the first days after the intervention, he follows a soft cold diet. Avoid foods that are very crunchy, hard, or have small seeds, and hot foods.
6. Avoid tobacco before and after the intervention. It is best to stop smoking. But if it is not possible for you, try to stop smoking for at least two weeks before and eight after the intervention.
7. Do not drink alcohol, tea or other intensely staining foods in the days after the operation. If you can, avoid them as much as possible while wearing implants.
8. Maintain good dental hygiene, following the advice provided by your dentist.
9. Avoid brushing the implant area the day after the operation. In the following days, brush gently with a brush suitable for the situation, soft or post-surgical.
10. Complete the cleaning with a specific mouthwash for your case, following the dentist's recommendations. If indicated, it will be necessary to do it for a maximum of two weeks.
11. Do not touch the implant area with your fingers or tongue.
12. The day after the operation, open and close your mouth gently several times a day to avoid stiffness.
13. Drink plenty of water to hydrate.
14. Sleep with your head as high as possible, and do not lie on the side of the implant. It can also be interesting to place a towel on the pillow to prevent it from getting dirty during the night.

Although it is a complete list of tips, in the event that your intervention has been with guided surgery, your recovery will be quick and practically without discomfort, since it is carried out with almost no incision in the gum. If immediate loading is also carried out, in addition to the advice on the list, you should follow a soft diet (everything that can be crumbled with your fingers) during the first three months.

In any case, if you have doubts or any unexpected symptoms, consult your dentist as soon as possible.