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Implant Aftercare: What to Do Immediately After Implant Surgery?

Implants are one of the most important procedures in restorative dentistry. With dental implants in Pompano Beach, you can replace missing teeth, stop the surrounding ones from shifting, and restore your mouth’s biting and chewing functionalities to normal. 

Although rare, some patients can experience implant failure, making their restorative dentistry efforts more complicated. Here are some aftercare tips to avoid complications and ensure a swift recovery from your implant surgery. 

Anaesthesia effects after getting dental implants in pompano beach

Top 5 Dental Implants Aftercare Tips

1. Begin Care Immediately After

The process of taking care of dental implants will start as soon as your surgery is over. Make plans for someone to drive you home so you can begin relaxing on the way. It is likely that the anesthesia’s effects will not have worn off yet, making it extremely risky to drive yourself home.  

In addition, avoid touching the implant after surgery. Make sure to keep your tongue from wandering toward that area and avoid vigorous mouth rinsing.  

2. Control Bleeding and Avoid Exercise

Bleeding from the implant site can persist for up to 72 hours after surgery. If it continues after this timeframe, reach out to your dental professional.  

Meanwhile, you can control the bleeding by biting down on gauze for about an hour. Once it’s sullied, change it for a new one, and repeat. Also, try to sit upright and refrain from physical exercise. 

3. Manage Pain

If you can’t stand the pain, ask your dentist for painkiller recommendations. The go-to choice is often Tylenol, as NSAIDs like Advil, Aleve, and Ibuprofen can interfere with the osseointegration process. 

Take your pain medications as directed on the package, preferably right before the anesthesia wears off or when the discomfort becomes too unbearable. Generally, avoid taking more than one painkiller every six hours. 

4. Control Swelling

The day following surgery is usually marked by swelling and bruising on the face and gums. Your nose and eyes may even bruise as a result, causing discoloration. This will peak two or three days after you get back home and then go away on its own.  

Applying an ice pack to the most affected area of your face can help reduce swelling if it bothers you. After 48 hours, keep the ice pack on for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, take a break, and repeat.  

5. Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol

For at least two months after implant surgery, you aren’t allowed to smoke. Smoking significantly hinders dental implant healing, as nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, interferes with osseointegration, and increases the risk of infection or implant failure. 

Furthermore, you should not drink alcohol for at least 72 hours following the placement procedure. It may cause blood vessel formation to slow down, which could lead to inadequate bone-implant fusion.  

Stop smoking after getting dental implants in pompano beach

Get a Check-up for Your Dental Implants in Pompano Beach

You may have to visit Park Plaza Dental to remove the stitches 14 days after the surgery. A professional will assess your healing progress and provide any recommendations if necessary. 

If you have any remaining questions regarding your implant’s aftercare, give us a call! 

Are You Looking for Dental Care in Pompano Beach?

If you have any questions about the services we offer, don’t hesitate to call Park Plaza Dental. Our team is here to make your next appointment a comfortable and productive one.