Dental implants are among the most widely used treatments in cosmetic dentistry in South Jordan. They are an effective tooth replacement option that improves not only your smile but also your overall oral health. As with any surgery, you should prepare for the recovery process so that you would have an easy time and avoid post-surgery complications.
Your body responds to injury through swelling. Swelling occurs after a dental implant surgery because it entails cutting your gum open and drilling into the exposed bone to place the dental implant. The swelling happens within 24 hours post-surgery and can last up to a week or 10 days. As such, you need comprehensive aftercare to reduce swelling and avoid the risk of infection.
Here are some tips you can follow.
Use a warm or cold compress
Use a warm water bag 48 hours after the surgery to reduce swelling. Wrap a hot water bottle in a cloth and apply it on the area. This will enhance the circulation of blood in the swollen area, which, in turn, reduces the inflammation. However, you should not apply the warm water bag directly on the operated part because it can burn the mucosa and skin.
Using a cold compress is also an effective way of reducing swelling. Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth and place it on the swollen area. But do not apply ice directly on the operated area because the extreme cold can affect your skin and mucosal membrane. You should also maintain a period of 10 minutes in between two compressions.
Avoid solid food
Another effective way to reduce swelling after your dental implant procedure is to avoid eating solid food immediately after the operation. You should take only liquids or soft food first. You can have mashed potatoes, soups, milkshakes, and yogurts, too. Also, make sure you avoid hot or cold drinks and spicy food because these can cause itching and irritation.
Take anti-inflammatory medications
Your cosmetic dentist will most likely prescribe some anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling. Also, some antibiotics can be used to treat swollen gums. Make sure you take the medicines as per the prescription to avoid infection to your gums or the dental implant. Also, do not take any medications before consulting with your dentist because some drugs have side effects.
Besides swelling after dental surgery, the recovery process depends on the patient. It could take up to six weeks or months to recover following dental implant surgery. You should contact your dentist if you notice discomfort or swelling in the operated area a couple of days after the surgery.
These guidelines should help you to combat swelling and speed up recovery after your dental implant surgery. Keeping your head raised after the procedure is also vital in reducing swelling and discomfort. Besides fighting swelling and infections, you must also follow the guidelines given by your cosmetic dentist. By doing so, you increase your chances of healing faster and improving your smile and dental health.
