Tips to Ensure a Successful Dental Implant Recovery

After you have had dental implants placed, one of the most important things you can do to increase the likelihood they will be successful is follow the aftercare instructions your oral surgeon supplies. Ensuring your recovery is successful is the best way to ensure the implants themselves will be successful.

Preparing for Dental Implants

You can help ensure a successful recovery from dental implant surgery well before your surgery even occurs. Some steps you can take include:

  • If possible, and if applicable, stop smoking two weeks before surgery
  • Have any inflammation or gum disease treated
  • Discuss the procedure in detail with your oral surgeon
  • Discuss your likely aftercare routine
  • Arrange to have someone drop you off, pick you up, and help you out for the first few days after surgery

These preliminary steps can go a long way toward helping you heal successfully. If you have bone grafts before your implants can be placed, similar measures can help ensure you recover well from these procedures, as well.

Taking Care of Yourself after Dental Implants

After you have had your dental implants placed, your oral surgeon will provide instructions regarding how you should take care of yourself while your mouth and gums heal. For example, your surgeon might recommend that you take a few days off work to rest. He will also provide special instructions for keeping your mouth clean, and you’ll probably have prescription medication such as an antibiotic to prevent infection or painkillers to reduce discomfort in your mouth.

You may or may not have stitches in your gums, as well, and this will also affect your aftercare. You might have a special mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums clean. You should also be sure to keep all your post-surgery appointments, during which your surgeon or dentist will evaluate your healing and the success of your implant procedure.

To find out more about how dental implants can help restore your smile, or about a likely aftercare routine, please contact the Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas for an appointment or consultation.