Many people prefer dental implants over other tooth replacement systems because they look and feel like natural teeth. They also don’t slip and slide like dentures, and they keep your jawbone strong and healthy so that your facial structure isn’t compromised. If you’re considering making an appointment with Dr. Ivey of Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery to discuss dental implants as a tooth replacement option, it is important to know how to care for them once you get your new pearly whites. Unfortunately, some patients wrongly assume that their dental implant procedure will be maintenance free. That can’t be further from the truth. You have to follow Dr. Ivey’s postoperative instructions thoroughly and take care for your dental implants just like regular teeth. If you neglect them, your dental implants could fail, and no one wants that! Keep reading for some important tips on how to properly care for your dental implants in the days after your procedure, and for the long term.
Right After Your Procedure
It is important to follow Dr. Ivey’s aftercare instructions to ensure dental implant success and prevent complications, such as infection. Some important things to remember right after your procedure are:
Do Not Disturb the Surgery Site
Patients should avoid rinsing, spitting or touching the surgery site on the day of surgery. Doing so could introduce bacteria into the site which could cause infection or lead to a more serious condition called peri-implantitis – an infectious disease that causes inflammation in the gums, and bone loss around the implant.
Bleeding and Swelling
You will experience some bleeding and swelling after surgery. To reduce bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad, and have an ice pack nearby to apply in case of swelling.
Diet
Dr. Ivey’s patients should be sure to drink plenty of water and maintain a soft food diet in the days after their dental implant procedure. Dr. Ivey will let you know when you can return to your regular diet.
Pain Management
Be sure to take your pain medication exactly as prescribed. You should even set your alarm if you are scheduled to take a dose in the middle of the night. Dr. Ivey’s wants you to be as comfortable as possible after your dental implant procedure, and it’s far easier to stay on top of your pain than it is to catch up with it.
Rest
Taking some time to rest right after your procedure is important! Resting will allow your body to heal properly. Make arrangements to have some help around the house for a few days after your procedure. Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery recommends keeping physical activities to a minimum for several days to avoid excessive bleeding and throbbing.
General Care
As we mentioned earlier, caring for your dental implants is just as important as caring for natural teeth. Being diligent in your oral hygiene routine will help ensure your dental implants last for decades. You should:
- Brush twice daily
- Floss once daily
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash once daily
- Keep your regular visits for cleanings and checkups
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Ivey Today
If you’ve been considering dental implants for tooth replacement, call Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery today to make an appointment to see Dr. Ivey in his Centennial office. He and his team are ready to answer any questions you may have about the dental implant procedure. You can reach him today at (303) 493-1933.
