Aftercare
Gail Rachel Clough (United Kingdom)
February 10, 2020
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Thanks to technological advancements and meticulous planning, present day dental implantology can be compared to a minor outpatient procedure. Many patients are surprised at how quick the procedure can be as well as how uneventful the healing phase is. This is possible due to the planning and assessment done beforehand by the implant surgeon. You can rely on your dentist for a good job of placing the implants, but the long term and routine after care is what ultimately decides the overall success of your brand-new teeth.
Good oral hygiene is a must every day for the optimal health of your implants. It is the same bacteria that damage natural teeth, that also damage the gums around the implants. Practicing good brushing techniques, using a water flosser as well mouth wash on a regular routine, helps you keep your new teeth for much much longer.
Do I need someone to accompany me?
You would be advised to ask someo ne else to drive you home on the day you have your implants placed. If you stay far away from the clinic, we would advise taking accommodation nearby for a day and avoid long distance travel. Most dental implant procedures are completed under local anaesthesia, and swelling and pain is not common, but it always advisable to have someone with you before, during and after the procedure till you get back home
Will I need to take time a break work?
It is unlikely that you will need to take time off work, but you might want to plan a day off or two as a precaution. Try not to arrange any big social or work commitments for a few days after the treatment.
Should I worry about pain and infections?
You may not need antibiotics, but a prophylactic dose started a 1 day to an hour before surgery is advisable to keep post-operative complication chances slim. Over the counter painkillers and broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually prescribed for up to a week maximum. Painkillers are to be only ingested on an emergency basis, if the pain does not taper off in 3 days contact your dentist for more help and if you are allergic to any medication, please discuss this with your implant dentist.
Will there be bleeding?
Some minor bleeding after dental implant placement is normal. biting firmly down on a wet gauze pad for about an hour usually stops most of the bleeding. The pad should then be gently removed. Repeat the process for another 30 minutes with another gauze pad if necessary. You can expect less bleeding during implant placement as compared to tooth extraction as the implant fills the gap and the implant surgeon will ensure proper closure of the site with sutures.
How long does the healing take?
After implant treatment avoid rinsing your mouth and try not to disturb the surgical site with your tongue or fingers for the rest of the day. This may cause bleeding by dislodging the blood clot that has formed. Don’t spit, suck on straws or smoke. This can also dislodge blood clots and slow down the healing process. Try and consume only soft and cold food, stay away from spicy food.
You may experience swelling and/or bruising following your treatment especially 2 or 3 days after the surgery. This is normal and can be reduced by the use of ice packs held to the side of the face where the implants were placed. Do not use ice directly on the skin and always keep moving the ice pack every minute or so. Ice packs are only effective for the first day, after which hot water fomentation, i.e., mist heat using a towel or water bag helps reduce the swelling faster.
Eating and drinking instructions?
It is advisable to have only cold drinks and food on the day of surgery while avoiding hot, hard and spicy items. It is important to stay hydrated. Do not eat until the local anaesthetic has worn off as you may risk injuring your cheeks or tongue while chewing without feeling them. Try choosing softer foods and chew away from the implant site. It is also recommended not to wash your mouth vigorously after meals, but rather use mouthwash and gently swish after every meal for 3 days post-surgery.
Between the 1st stage and second stage?
Conventionally the implants are covered with the gums and left to heal for 2 to 3 months undisturbed. This ensures a really strong bond of the implants with your jaw bone. During this period, you may be given a temporary removable denture. Although in some cases, if indicated implants can also be loaded with the crown within a week after placement of the implants, this is more convenient for the patient as it reduces the waiting period for your final teeth, but utmost care has to taken to not overload the implant in the first 2 months. The stitches are normally removed or dissolve by themselves after seven to fourteen days. Smoking restricts healing dramatically. Nicotine in smoke constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the soft tissues, which can affect the immune response. This slows the process of healing and affects the long-term health of gum and bone. Smoking increases the risk that implants may not heal properly after they are placed, and makes them more likely to fail over time. The healing process can also be impaired by medical conditions like diabetes, proper care should be taken to lead a healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise and a balanced diet, and control of any systemic medical conditions as this will ensure your body is not distracted by ailments while fusing to the dental implants.
Healing times will be different for each patient. Your recovery time will depend on your individual case and treatment plan. Regular follow ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery as well every 6 months after getting your new teeth is the best way to keep an eye on their health.
Long-term care
Once your new implants and the surrounding gum have healed, and your replacement teeth have been fitted, they must be cared for in the same way as normal, natural teeth. If tooth cleaning is poor, bacteria can build up and cause inflammation. If left untreated, the inflammation can cause bone loss around the implant. Eventually, the implant loses anchorage in the bone, becomes loose and can fall out. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, brush twice daily using a soft bristled brush, floss in between teeth and implants, especially under the teeth, i.e., between the gums and the teeth, a water flosser is highly recommended to get into those tough to reach areas, finally a quick 30 second rinse with mouth wash once day, preferably at night before you sleep ensure minimal plaque and debris accumulation around your new teeth. Pairing this with regular bi annual visits to your dentist will help stop problems from creeping in the initial stages.
Implants are designed and expected to last decades, but for them to last as long as you want them to, they need to be cared for and looked after just like any other part of your body.
