In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over what to expect during the first 24 hours or so following a dental implant procedure. The immediate period after such a procedure is important for basic recovery and long-term quality of the implant, and there may be a few simple directions you're given by your dentist for how to approach this period of time.
At Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry, we proudly offer a wide range of dental implant services and other family dental programs to clients around Layton and nearby areas. While part one of our series focused on the first day or so after your procedure, today's part two will focus on the subsequent days or weeks and some of the basic recommendations you may be given by your dentist.
If the procedure in question involved swelling as part of the side effects, this will usually peak during the second or third day after the procedure. Ice compresses may be used in order to help reduce swelling – if your dentist has recommended this, it is highly advisable to follow their instructions.
It is also likely that you will feel some soreness during the first week or so following the procedure. This is normal and should go away gradually as time passes; over-the-counter painkillers may be recommended for temporary relief.
The diet you follow during the first week or two should also be modified – while it is important to stay hydrated, many foods are too hard or crunchy and can irritate the area around the implant. Soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes are usually ideal.
In these first few days or even a week or so, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of any infection. Some symptoms may include redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, and drainage near the implant site.
If you notice any of these symptoms developing after your procedure or if they get worse over time, be sure to contact your dentist right away – infection can put the entire dental implant at risk, so it is important to make sure that any such infection is dealt with as soon as possible.
Finally, how you care for your implant on a long-term basis will depend on several factors, including the type of implant you have. Bacterial build-up can lead to serious issues over time, so it is important to make sure that your implant is properly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis in order to keep it healthy and functioning effectively.
In addition, implants may require checkups or adjustments from time to time as they age; be sure to book regular appointments with your dentist to make sure that your implant is in good shape and being properly maintained.
At Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry, we can provide ongoing support for your implant and make sure that it is staying in peak condition. To learn more about our services here or in any other family dentistry area, get in touch with us today! We look forward to hearing from you.
