The Road to Restored Bite
Getting a dental implant from the experienced team at Swiss Smiles & Implants in Englewood, CO, is an exciting step towards restoring your smile, but proper aftercare is essential for allowing your implant to heal properly and become fully integrated. From those critical first 24 hours through the weeks and months ahead, this guide will walk you through what to expect and how to care for your implant every step of the way.
Have additional questions? Don’t hesitate to call Swiss Smiles & Implants at 303-795-3517.
Those First 24 Hours After Getting a Dental Implant
The day of and the day after your dental implant surgery are crucial for kick-starting the healing process properly. This period sets the tone, so follow your dentist’s instructions closely.
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the implant area are normal at first – it’s your body’s response to the surgical trauma. The fix? Ice that swollen cheek in 15 to 20-minute intervals and take pain medication as prescribed or recommended. Rest up as much as possible those first couple of days too.
A little bleeding and oozing is also par for the course initially. Just bite down gently but firmly on a gauze pad to control it, changing the gauze as needed. Avoid spitting or sucking too hard though, as that could dislodge blood clots. If bleeding gets excessive or won’t subside after several hours, call your dentist.
Good oral hygiene from the start is essential to prevent infection. For the first few days, gently rinse with a saltwater solution after eating, but hold off on directly brushing the surgical site. Then you can carefully brush and floss around the area as it heals.
The First Week’s Routine
As you move into that first week post-op, stick to this routine:
- Stick to cool, soft, and mushy foods like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes to avoid irritating the site
- Continue saltwater rinses and gentle brushing
- Apply ice and take medication as needed for swelling and discomfort
Weeks 2-4: Healing and Integration
This is when the real healing kicks in as the implant starts integrating (osseointegrating) with your jawbone. You should notice:
- Gradually subsiding swelling and tenderness
- Ability to re-introduce more normal foods into your diet
Follow your dentist’s mouth care tips and stick to softer foods as needed. You can start easing back into normal activities, but avoid anything too strenuous that increases blood flow risk.
Long-Term Implant Care
With proper cleaning habits, you’ll treat this implant just like your natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush
- Floss daily
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash per your dentist’s advice
- Consider interproximal brushes or other tools for cleaning around the implant
And make sure to attend those regular check-ups and cleanings! Your dentist needs to inspect the implant area and ensure everything is stable and healthy.
When to Call the Dentist
Most post-op issues like swelling, bleeding, and pain should resolve within the first week or two. But don’t hesitate to call your dentist if you experience increasing pain, pus, fever, a feeling of looseness, or anything else indicating the implant isn’t healing properly. Catching complications early could save you from implant failure down the road.
Ensuring a Seamless Dental Implant Journey
Don’t let missing teeth or an incomplete smile hold you back any longer, residents of Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Denver. Imagine biting into a juicy steak, laughing without worrying, and smiling for pictures again – all with natural-looking dental implants from the talented team at Swiss Smiles & Implants in Englewood.
Your journey to a brand new smile starts with a call to 303-795-3517. The caring staff will guide you through every step, from your initial consultation to comprehensive aftercare, ensuring your implants heal properly. Take the first step towards your confident new smile today!