Few surgical procedures make such a huge difference in someone’s appearance as the final placement of permanent dental implants and Zirconia Restorations. A lot of our patients can’t pull themselves away from the mirror when they see their new smile for the first time.
Experience has shown us that patients who follow the post-operative instructions from NewME Dental Implants of Houston have a complication-free recovery with minimal discomfort. In a few weeks, their life has been transformed beyond what they expected as they eat without pain and smile without embarrassment.
Over the years, major breakthroughs have been made in dental surgery and dental implants. Dental surgeons have refined their skills and procedures, and patients are given instructions designed to ensure proper healing.
Prior to all procedures performed in our Houston office, our patients take a regimen of vitamins and supplements several weeks before and after surgery.
We believe “the best surprise is no surprise” when it comes to the process of getting your new teeth. We educate our patients in post-operative care, and they leave our Houston office knowing what to do after surgery. We encourage you to call us at any time if you have any questions.
What Should I Know About Care Following Extractions, Exposure of Impacted Teeth, Socket Bone Grafting, and Sinus Lift Surgery?
Dr. Tareq Beck performs a wide range of dental surgical procedures in our modern, fully equipped office in Houston. Everyone has varied needs when it comes to treatment prior to placing permanent dental implants. After exams and digital scans, Dr. Beck develops a precise plan for each person before proceeding.
General instructions for some of the post-surgery scenarios follow:
Bleeding
Bleeding can be expected after surgery. You can place folded gauze or moist tea bags on the site and firmly bite down for 30 minutes at a time. Contact our office if bleeding is excessive or does not begin to slow down.
Swelling, Bruising, and Numbness
Some swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness of the face are normal after surgical procedures. These symptoms will be most noticeable 2-3 days after surgery but will gradually subside.
Use ice packs on both sides of your face for 30 minutes at a time while awake to help. After four days, you can switch to using heat, which will promote blood circulation and healing.
Elevated Temperature
A sore throat and elevated temperature sometimes occur after an extraction and can be treated with Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Oral Hygiene
After extractions, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice on the day of surgery. Resume your normal oral hygiene routine after 24 hours. Floss once a day and avoid brushing on the extraction site for 72 hours.
After exposure of an impacted tooth, rinse with mouthwash or saltwater 5-6 times a day, especially after meals. You can return to your normal diet in a few days.
When Sinus Lift or Sinus Augmentation Surgery is performed to increase the amount bone available for your implants, special instructions include not blowing your nose for a month, opening your mouth to allow a sneeze to escape, no smoking, no drinking through a straw, and use of Stella mouthwash or saltwater to gently rinse your mouth.
Medication
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed until they are gone. If you have been given a prescription for pain medication, follow instructions concerning driving, operating equipment, lifting heavy objects, and strenuous physical activity.
Diet
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Avoid hot liquids and food. You can eat soft foods on the day of surgery, then return to your normal diet with the focus on eating nutritionally to promote healing. Avoid alcohol for the first 72 hours after surgery.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 days following multiple extractions (24 hours after a single tooth). While resting, keep your head elevated.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after placement of implants for the first day and can be treated by biting gently on a gauze pad. If bleeding does not gradually slow during the first day or cannot be controlled, call our office.
Swelling
You will experience some swelling over the first two or three days. Using an ice pack as much as possible will help keep swelling at a minimum.
Pain
You can begin taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol as before your local anesthesia wears off. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you experience severe pain, contact our office immediately.
Take Antibiotics
Antibiotics are important to prevent infection. When prescribed antibiotics, you should make sure you follow the instructions and continue to take them as long as directed.
Use of Mouthwash, Beginning to Brush
Another important component in proper healing and infection prevention is regular use of any prescribed mouthwash. In addition, rinse with warm saltwater four to five times daily.
24 hours after surgery, you can begin to brush your teeth and the surgical site with a soft toothbrush.
What About Diet?
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to help your body recover from surgery. Immediately following surgery, you should stick to a soft diet. Some recommendations are protein drinks, apple sauce, and yogurt. It is important to avoid hot foods or beverages. You should not chew on the implant site.
Should I Avoid Any Activities?
Use common sense when it comes to returning to activities during the first couple of weeks following surgery. Strenuous exercise that might significantly increase blood flow, or an activity that risks impact on the mouth should be avoided. If you experience excessive bleeding or pressure from throbbing during exercise, call us immediately.
Some suggestions for drink and food following extractions, grafts and All-On-X implant surgeries follow:
Drink Ideas: Water, Juice, Protein Shakes, Milkshakes, and Smoothies
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert Ideas:
