Getting dental implants is an exciting step in restoring your smile and oral health. After your implant surgery, following your dentist’s post-operative care recommendations is important for ensuring your implants heal properly and integrate well with your jawbone. Let’s take a look at what to expect in the days and weeks after getting dental implants placed.

Managing Pain and Swelling

Some pain and swelling are normal after dental implant surgery. Your dentist may prescribe a pain medication like Ibuprofen to manage discomfort and reduce swelling. To further decrease swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your face near the surgical sites for 10-15 minutes at a time. Be sure to ask your dentist in Windsor which over-the-counter medications are safe to take.

Limit Activity for Healing

For the first 24 hours, plan to take it easy at home. Avoid strenuous activities that raise your heart rate, like running or heavy lifting. Give your body time to focus its energy on healing the surgical sites. Gradually increase activity over the next few days as you feel up to it. Strenuous exercise can resume after about 5-7 days once the initial swelling has gone down.

Soft Foods & Proper Bite

For the first few days, stick to soft, smooth foods that are easy to chew and won’t require a lot of pressure or force at the implant sites. Think puddings, yogurt, soups. When biting down, avoid placing strong pressure directly on the implants for 6 weeks to allow proper bone healing. If you have removable dentures or bridges, only wear them once instructed by your dental professional near Windsor.

Avoid Certain Habits

Don’t smoke or use tobacco products at all during the healing process – it impairs bone regeneration around implants—no use of mouthwashes containing alcohol, either. And avoid sucking through a straw, as it can dislodge the developing blood clot at the surgical site. Give your implants the best chance to integrate with your jaw fully.

Managing Hygiene

Maintain excellent oral hygiene around your implants by gently brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Continue this for life to keep your implants healthy. You may need to use special floss threaders or an interdental brush to reach all areas between implants and teeth.

Review Post-Op Care Instructions Carefully

Your dentist will provide specific post-operative instructions based on your procedure and health needs. Be sure to carefully go over them at your follow-up appointment. Don’t hesitate to contact their office at any time if you have questions during the healing process. A local dental professional can help guide you.

Return for Follow Up Care

Schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist, usually within 1-2 weeks after surgery. This allows them to check on your healing progress and address any concerns early. Follow all follow-up appointments to ensure your implants integrate properly. With the right post-op care, your new implants can provide many years of functionality, esthetics, and confidence in your smile.

Reaching Out for Questions or Issues

The first few weeks following implant surgery represent the most active healing phase. Contact your dental professional in Windsor right away if you experience severe or increased pain, swelling, bleeding, fever, or any other worrying symptoms. They want to address issues promptly to support the best outcome. Don’t hesitate to reach out—that’s what follow-up care is for. With diligent post-op care and checkups, your dental implants will integrate smoothly and serve you well for many years to come.

If you’re searching for ‘dental implants near me in Windsor,’ Forest Glade Dental Centre has got you covered! We offer a warm, welcoming environment where patients feel valued and cared for. Our team provides the best dental implants in Windsor based on your dental needs. We ensure a comfortable and seamless experience from consultation to recovery. Contact us today!