How to Protect Dental Implants After Surgery 

If you recently lost any of your teeth and had dental implant surgery to restore your smile, congratulations on taking the next step forward on your oral health journey! Although you may want to focus on celebrating and returning to your everyday routine, there are a few steps after surgery to protect your implants and make sure your results heal well.

At Chroma Dental in the Midtown East area of New York City, Yev Davydov, DDS, Brianna Davydov, DDS, and our team are here to guide you through every step of the way. With our compassionate and dedicated expertise, we make your recovery process easy. 

If you’re curious about how to properly care for and protect your dental implants, keep reading to follow our comprehensive post-surgery guide. 

The importance of post-surgery care 

First and foremost, you must understand the importance of taking care of yourself and following the correct protocol during your post-op healing period. The recovery process is vital for your implants to become stable and provide a strong foundation for your brand-new teeth. Here’s what you can expect during your immediate post-surgery care: 

Follow our team’s instructions 

Above all else, follow our team’s specific post-surgery instructions. We thoroughly cover all the necessary steps and address your questions or concerns to make your recovery smooth. 

Manage discomfort 

Don’t worry; some discomfort after surgery is normal. To help with the pain, we prescribe over-the-counter pain medications. 

Be mindful of swelling

Swelling is another common symptom after surgery. Again, there’s no need to panic as this is normal in the initial days post-op. Applying an ice pack to the affected area for short intervals can help reduce swelling. 

Protecting your dental implants: what to do and what not do

When it comes to surgery aftercare, it can be overwhelming to know what to do and what not to do to protect your results and make your healing process less stressful. We’re here to help you navigate this — consider the following steps: 

Do maintain gentle oral hygiene

Maintaining oral hygiene is always essential but especially necessary after a dental implant procedure. Remember to be gentle around your surgical site and use a soft-bristle toothbrush. 

Do try salt water rinses

To promote healing, try rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution after eating to keep your surgical area clean.

Do stick to soft foods and stay hydrated 

Your dietary choices can make a difference during your healing journey as well. In the early days, you should opt for soft, chewable foods that don’t put excess pressure on your implants. Additionally, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to help prevent any future complications.

Do not eat hard or crunchy foods

Take it from us — you want to skip the hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. These foods can potentially damage your surgical site and cause discomfort during recovery. 

Do not smoke or drink excessively 

Both tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can slow down or even interrupt your healing process, which is why we highly recommend minimizing or eliminating these habits during your recovery.

Do not do strenuous activity

During surgery recovery, avoid strenuous activities, especially in the first few days after your procedure. Rest is also critical for your optimal healing and overall well-being. 

Long-term care for lasting results 

Now that you’ve discovered the do’s and don’ts of your healing process, we hope you feel inspired to take the best care of yourself for the long-term results you deserve. Along with following our instructions and avoiding certain habits, we recommend you don’t skip any follow-up appointments with us. 

These check-ups are how we monitor your healing process, address concerns, and determine if you’re protecting your dental implants. Also, commit to regular professional cleanings and embrace healthier lifestyle choices to get the bright, healthy smile you dream of. 

We hope you remember that the dental implant process is a collaborative effort between you and our dental care team. By following our recommended steps, you’ll be on the road to the results you deserve. 

If you’re ready to learn more about dental implants, call our office at 646-933-8174 or visit our website to request an appointment today!