Post-Operative Care for a Quicker, More Successful Recovery
In the first few days following your dental implant treatment, Dr. Stockdale recommends that you:
- Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol. Both affect blood flow and can deter the natural healing process of your body.
- Avoid eating hard foods that could damage the implant area. At least for the first few days, we encourage our implant patients to eat soft foods and drink clear liquids. Additionally, you can puree foods to get the proper consistency.
- Rinse with salt water two to three times a day. This remedy will clean the surgical site and reduce inflammation. Let the water gently cascade from the side of your mouth instead of spitting it out.
- Don’t spit, use a straw, or anything else that adds pressure to the surgical site. Too much stress can slow the healing process, and even cause the implant to fail.
Maintain Proper Oral Care
Caring for your oral structure after the implant procedure is essential for the success of your smile. For example, your gums play a crucial role in the longevity of your dental implants. Although the implant won’t decay or become infected, any infection in your gums can jeopardize their durability.
When the tissue that surrounds a dental implant is infected, it can lead to bone loss. This loss of bone can loosen the implant fixture—the part that acts as the tooth root—and ultimately cause implant failure.
You can ensure the health of your gums, implant, and entire mouth by thoroughly removing infection-causing bacteria and plaque. As long as your oral care stays consistent by brushing twice a day, flossing after meals, and routinely visiting Dr. Stockdale, you’re setting your smile up for long-term success. Furthermore, we advise our patients to rinse with mouthwash at the end of your oral care regimen to remove any debris that’s left behind.
Choose Gentle Dental Care Products
While your dental implant doesn’t require any extra care than your natural teeth, Dr. Stockdale has some guidelines for selecting oral care products. The goal here is to avoid products that can scratch or damage the implant or gums that support it.
- Mouthwash: Avoid whitening options, as well as any that contain alcohol because they can dry out your mouth and compromise the healing process.
- Floss: We recommend choosing nylon-coated floss because it’s designed to glide against teeth and gums without irritating them. Some companies sell floss specially crafted for use with dental implants.
- Toothpaste: Avoid whitening toothpaste which commonly contains abrasive or harsh ingredients.
- Toothbrush: The softer the bristles, the less likely you are to irritate the gum tissue or scratch the replacement tooth.
Visit Dr. Stockdale for Routine Checkups
Routine dental visits to Renaissance Dental Care are even more critical now that you have dental implants.
During these pre-scheduled appointments, Dr. Stockdale will thoroughly clean your teeth, examine your oral structure for problems, and answer any questions that you have. If he finds an issue, he can complete the necessary treatment before these problems endanger your implant and overall health.
Schedule your next appointment today by contacting our office at (909) 297-1921. Alternatively, you can fill out the form on the bottom of this page, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I manage any swelling or discomfort after my dental implant procedure?
After your dental implant procedure, you shouldn’t expect serious pain. After your implants is placed, your body will begin its healing process. It’s common to feel the numbing effects of the anesthesia for some time afterward. It’s important to take any medications prescribed by Dr. Stockdale to help ease the pain and help the healing process.
Swelling is common in the days following treatment. To reduce the swelling, apply a cold compress to the face and gums. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin for prolonged periods as this can cause damage, especially while you’re still numb from your procedure.
If over-the-counter pain relievers are unsafe for you to take, let Dr. Stockdale know. He can recommend alternative solutions if necessary. Although some pain and discomfort for the first week or so following the treatment, it shouldn’t be severe or prolonged. If you notice pain that doesn’t seem to go away or severe pain that medication can’t help with, contact our Rancho Cucamonga dental practice at (909) 297-1921 so that we can investigate the cause and provide relief.
What foods are safe for me to eat during my recovery?
During your healing period, Dr. Stockdale will provide you with the aftercare instructions as well as foods you can eat and foods to avoid. There are plenty of soft foods to enjoy that won’t require much chewing. Here are a few suggestions of foods to eat while your implants heal:
- Soups and stew
- Pasta with sauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeals
- Soft fruits like bananas and berries
- Pureed fruits and vegetables, like applesauce
- Cooked or steamed vegetables
Frozen desserts like ice cream or smoothies will be easy to eat and provide relief to your tender gums, just remember to avoid using a straw. Finally, don’t forget to drink plenty of water while you recover — staying hydrated will aid in the healing process.
Which foods should I avoid after my dental implant surgery?
For the first two weeks after your procedure, Dr. Stockdale recommends limiting your diet to soft food and liquid-based diets and avoiding hot liquids such as coffee or soup. However, if you do get hot liquids, it’s crucial to let them cool off to avoid interfering with the healing process. After a few weeks, you can return back to your normal diet, however, in the meantime, you should avoid foods such as:
- Tough (raw vegetables, steaks)
- Crunchy (popcorn, chips)
- Chewy (gummies, bread)
- Sticky (gummies, gum)
- Acidic (citrus, soy sauce)
- Spicy (hot peppers, salsa)
Can I go to work the day after receiving a dental implant?
Every patient is different as it depends on your oral health conditions and your body’s natural healing ability. Though, most patients are most likely able to go back to work the day after receiving their dental implants. Some patients may need a day or two to recover.
However, if your work requires vigorous physical activity, Dr. Stockdale will recommend taking a few days off before returning to work. If your work requires little to no physical activity, you’ll be fine to return to work the day after your implant procedure.
Aftercare for Quick, Successful Recovery
Once you’ve healed from your dental implant procedure, you can show off your smile to your loved ones without hesitation. If you have any more questions or concerns about your aftercare instructions, call our Rancho Cucamonga office at (909) 297-1967. You can also fill out our online contact form below and one of our staff will get back to you promptly. We’re proud to provide services to Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding areas including Riverside, San Bernardino, Diamond Bar, and many more.