Aftercare of tooth replacement options particularly dental implant treatment is often overlooked by both dentists and patients. At Yorkshire Dental Suite we believe the correct treatment aftercare is paramount to a successful dental restoration. We have listed the stages and requirements of aftercare below.
Immediately following surgery:
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Avoid mouth rinsing or touching the surgical area. This is so the blood clot does not become dislodged.
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To reduce swelling, place ice packs on the side of the face the surgery was carried out on.
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Take painkillers and anti-inflammatories (paracetamol & ibuprofen) post-treatment to reduce pain and inflammation.
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Take rest after surgery and try to refrain from strenuous activities.
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Refrain from smoking.
Bleeding:
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A certain amount of bleeding is expected following surgery especially while the blood clot is forming. You may also wake up with bloody saliva on your pillow the next day which is normal.
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Extra bleeding may be reduced by sitting upright and biting the area of surgery down with a gauze.
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If bleeding does not reduce after 6-8 hours call the clinic that carried out your surgery.
Swelling:
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Swelling is normal following surgery and is normally proportionate to the extent of surgery carried out.
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The swelling normally get’s worse before it get’s better, peaking at the 2-3 day post surgery mark.
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Ice packs or frozen peas applied to the area are great for swelling, applied for 20 minutes on and off in the evening or immediately post surgery.
Antibiotics:
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If your clinician advises to take antibiotics take them as necessary and ensure you finish the full course of antibiotics.
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If a rash appears following the intake of antibiotics, discontinue taking and contact your treating clinic as soon as possible.
Diet:
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Drink fluids from a glass or cup without using a straw as the sucking action can disrupt the blood clot.
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Soft liquid diet, avoiding hot foods, return to a normal diet once your clinician advises you to do so.
Oral Hygiene:
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Optimum oral hygiene is fundamental in ensuring proper healing of the area.
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Brush your teeth as normal however avoid brushing the area of surgery until healing has initiated.
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The next day after surgery rinse with warm salty water 5-6 times a day.
Smoking:
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Smoking reduces healing substantially. Nicotine acts to constrict blood vessels which in turn slows healing of surgical sites and affects the long term health of the gum and bone.
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Smoking and dental implants can’t be combined. There is evidence of an increased failure rate of implants with patients who smoke. If you choose to smoke you do so accepting the risk of losing your dental implants and the failing.
