So, you’re just about to have a dental implant procedure (or had it!) and you are probably wondering what is the best aftercare you can give yourself in order for your mouth to heal quickly and be as pain-free as possible.

Remember, the healing process may take a few months before everything fully settles so don’t worry if things aren’t quite as you expect straight away. If you have any questions or concerns at all after surgery, do give us a call. Here are our top tips for caring for your dental implants after surgery…

Immediately after your procedure

We know it might be tricky, but we recommend you avoid hot drinks and hot food for the day of your procedure (you should avoid food altogether until the local anaesthetic has worn off), you’ll thank us if you do. It will be best to have some softer foods to eat for the first couple of days – think soups and pasta as a great option.

 

Frozen peas are your friends

It is natural that you will have some swelling after your implants have been fitted and possibly even some bruising, which will last a few days. To reduce the swelling, we suggest you wrap a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel and hold them to your face for up to 10 minutes. This will help to ease the swelling and can also numb any pain you might be feeling.

Avoid the gym

It will probably be the last thing on your mind after your implant procedure, but just in case you are a fitness fanatic, we recommend you avoid strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours after your surgery.

Clean, Clean, Clean!

Remember, dental implants can bring the same troubles as your own teeth if you don’t look after them properly. You need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Your dentist will be able to provide some tips into exactly how to clean your dental implant well. Extra careful cleaning around your implants will also help your gum tissue remain healthy so that your restored smile will last a lifetime!

Checkups

If your surgery goes well and without any complications, you will only need to have your implants checked at your normal dental checkups every 3 to 6 months. Don’t forget to see a hygienist regularly too they are better at cleaning around your implants and teeth than your brush!

If in doubt pick up the phone

With any healing process, everyone responds differently but you will have full access to our the team and your implant surgeon after treatment, should you have any concerns. Even if you just a small concern it is always best to call us and check.