Your Aftercare Handbook
Congratulations on completing your dental implant procedure at Renaissance Dental Care, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, under the care of Dr. Jay Stockdale! As you embark on the journey to a healthier and more confident smile, ensuring a smooth recovery is paramount. This guide equips you with comprehensive post-operative care instructions tailored to optimize the healing process of your dental implant.
At Renaissance Dental Care, we prioritize your well-being, and under the guidance of Dr. Stockdale, your smile is in capable hands. For any inquiries or assistance, call us at (909) 297-1921.
Post-Operative Care for a Quicker, More Successful Recovery
In the first few days following your dental implant treatment, Dr. Stockdale recommends that you:
- Avoid the surgical site. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing the surgical area. Afterward, gently clean the implant site using a soft toothbrush and non-alcoholic, prescribed mouthwash.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed by your implant provider. This may include pain relievers and antibiotics to prevent infection.
- 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 healing 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 its durability.
When the tissue surrounding 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 their oral care regimen to remove any debris that’s left behind.
Choose Gentle Dental Care Products
While your dental implant doesn’t require 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.
- Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash: Avoid any mouthwash containing alcohol because it can dry out your mouth and compromise healing.
- Floss: We recommend choosing nylon-coated floss because it can glide against teeth and gums without irritating them. Some companies sell floss specially crafted for use with dental implants.
- Fluoride Toothpaste: Avoid whitening toothpaste, which commonly contains abrasive or harsh ingredients. Instead, use fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay and maintain oral health.
- Soft-Bristled 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 you have.
If he finds an issue, he can complete the necessary treatment before these problems endanger your implant and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I manage any swelling or discomfort after my dental implant procedure?
After your dental implant procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, though serious pain is uncommon. The numbing effects of anesthesia may linger initially, and it’s crucial to take prescribed medications for pain relief and healing.
To manage swelling, use a cold compress on your face and gums. Avoid applying ice directly to your skin for extended periods, especially while still numb from the procedure. If over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t suitable for you, inform your implant provider for alternative recommendations.
While mild discomfort is expected in the first week, severe or prolonged pain isn’t normal. If you experience persistent or intense pain, contact your implant provider promptly for an evaluation and relief options.
What foods are safe for me to eat during my recovery?
During your healing period, your implant provider will provide you with 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 relieve your tender gums, remember to avoid using a straw. Finally, don’t forget to drink plenty of water while you recover — staying hydrated will aid in healing.
Which foods should I avoid after my dental implant surgery?
For the first two weeks after your procedure, your implant provider recommends limiting your diet to soft food and liquid-based diets and avoiding hot liquids such as coffee or soup. However, if you 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 to your 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. However, most patients are most likely able to return 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, your implant provider 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 your smile to your loved ones without hesitation. If you have any 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.