Dental Implants Aftercare for Successful and Long-lasting Results

Missing teeth in American Fork, Utah? Consider dental implants from Greg G. Pitts DDS as a permanent solution to your missing teeth. Once we restore your “incomplete” smile with dental implants, you don’t have to think about that gap again. Although tooth implant surgery has over 98% success rate, implant failure can still occur. Dental implant placement is like any other surgery, so aftercare is vital for the procedure’s success. 

Taking care of your implant after surgery

Dental implant treatment is oral surgery, so whether you receive local anesthesia or opt for sedation dental care, you must follow post-operative care for a hitch-free recovery. Dr. Greg Pitts has supervised numerous dental implants and is happy to share post-operative tips and tricks. 

• Watch what you drink or eat: Please avoid hot foods and drinks to prevent irritating the surgical site. In the meantime, only take cold, non-spicy foods for three to four days, although your dentist will tell you exactly how long. As you avoid hot foods, don’t disturb the treated area, and this includes running your tongue or fingers on the affected area
• Manage discomfort after surgery: Like any surgery, expect mild pain, bleeding, and swelling after implant placement. You can manage the discomfort with painkillers and home remedies like cold packs to control swelling. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections. Ensure you complete your dosage as directed by your doctor
• Dental hygiene: Optimal oral hygiene is critical for dental implant success, but don’t disrupt recovery with overzealous cleaning. Brush and floss your other teeth as usual but be gentle around the surgical site. We recommend a small toothbrush with super-soft bristles but don’t rinse to avoid dislodging the blood clot. After two to three days, you can rinse your mouth with warm, salty water, especially after eating. Once your dental implant settles (your doctor will advise), you can resume your regular dental care
• Avoid potential problems: Besides infections, the other common cause of implant failure is trauma caused by excessive pressure on the implant site. Stay away from solid foods and avoid chewing in this area, even if you have a temporary restoration. Patients who suffer from teeth grinding should talk to their dentist about a mouth guard to minimize bruxism-induced pressure

We also advise patients to avoid strenuous activities a few days after surgery and quit smoking until their gums heal completely. Remember to adhere to regular dental checkups for our dental team to establish whether your implant is healing as expected. 

Secure your smile with dental implants

Never go with missing teeth — dental implants closely mimic the function and appearance of your teeth. Ready for some implant action in American Fork, UT? Please call (801) 758-0019 to schedule an implant consultation with Greg G. Pitts DDS.