There is a feeling of completion and happiness that accompanies having your oral implant(s) finally fitted.

Depending on your age (and other lifestyle factors), within the next year, you will be able to bite into food with precision and strength, with a set of teeth that both look and feel realistic; what’s not to like about that?

But, before that can happen, there is the matter of aftercare to attend to, in order to get the best out of your new additions..

As you may have guessed or been told, once your oral implants have been affixed to your jaw, there are some tips and overall advice you should follow to ensure that the implants can fuse to your jaw successfully. While it is far from an exhaustive list, it should be followed alongside any other advice you received from your implant surgeon.

So, how can you ensure that your dental implants Wagga heal correctly and in good time? Read on to find out.

Immediate aftercare

It is human nature to touch new objects in your mouth with either your tongue or your fingers.

But, for your jawline to become less inflamed, and for your dental implants in Wagga Wagga to stay in their place, you must resist the urge to do this.

Similarly, do not apply pressure to the implant site through consuming hard foods, and stick to soft alternatives for the next few days, or weeks, depending on your dentist’s advice. And, as contradictory as it may sound, avoid brushing near your implants; brushing around the site will encourage inflammation and may inadvertently move the implant. Switch to a softer toothbrush and, when you need to clean the implant site, swill some saltwater around in your mouth.

Aftercare (following weeks)

Once you feel that the implant site has begun to feel less inflamed, that does not mean that the aftercare is over.

While you should have a check-up coming up with your implant dentist in Wagga about 14 days after the fitting, you can still aid the healing process at home.

It is normal to experience some discomfort after having an oral implant fitted (some patients tend to compare it to dental extractions), so always ensure that you have over-the-counter pain relief to hand. Aim to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory to keep any inflammation to a minimum.

There may be some bleeding which occurs in the weeks following the fitting; manage this by biting down on gauze to stem the bleeding. Do not use cotton wool, as this can stick to the implant site and cause secondary issues.

To minimise bruising to the face, use an ice pack, but do not place it directly onto the implant site. Also, try sleeping in a slightly elevated position to help reduce bruising and bleeding which may occur at night.

And finally, ensure that you get enough sleep and rest! Going straight back to work may be unwise and can slow the healing process, so make sure you are getting a minimum of 8 hours sleep and keep hydrated.

DISCLAIMER

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.