Preparing For Dental Implant Surgery? Tips To Help You Avoid Complications

Dentist Blog

Dental implant surgery is a permanent procedure for replacing your missing teeth. There are several benefits to undergoing dental implant surgery. One benefit is that dental implants look and act like your natural teeth. Once you have your dental implant surgery, you won't need to deal with dentures again. But, you do need to protect your mouth during the recovery period. If you don't protect your mouth, complications can arise after dental implant surgery. Two of those complications include infections and dental implant failure. Read the list below. Here are some tips that will help you avoid those post-surgery complications. 

Follow Your Post-Surgery Instructions

After surgery, your dentist will give you some instructions to follow. You're going to receive anesthesia for your surgery. Because of that, you might not remember anything your dentist talks to you about after your surgery. To avoid complications, read your post-surgery instruction sheet when you get home. You should also hang the instructions where you can see them. That way, you can go over them as needed. Some instructions include taking your medication as prescribed, eating soft food until the implants heal, and rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution. 

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits

If you're going in for implant surgery, you'll want to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Sticking to your oral hygiene routine can help you avoid post-surgical infections. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your implants. If you still have some natural teeth, be sure to brush them too. Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Gently floss to remove food particles and debris from between your teeth. If you notice an increase in bleeding after brushing your teeth, call your dentist. 

Control Swelling and Discomfort

It's normal to have some swelling and discomfort after your dental implant surgery. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medication will take care of the discomfort. For swelling, you should apply ice packs to the affected area for the first few days following surgery. Be sure to wrap the ice packs in a thin cloth before applying them to your face. If you notice an increase in swelling or discomfort, contact your dentist right away. 

Adjust Your Personal Activities

When it comes to preventing complications after dental implant surgery, there are some activities you'll need to avoid. Some activities can increase the risk of post-surgical complications like infections. Two of those activities include drinking alcohol and smoking. Talk to your dentist about when it's safe to resume those activities. 

For more information on dental implant surgery, contact a professional near you.

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