You have just come home from implant surgery. Apart from the strange feeling in your mouth, everything else seems to be ok, but you're wondering what you need to watch out for. The best thing you can do now, is just lie down and relax - today is the day for this.
What you can and cannot do within the first 14 days:
- Do not eat during the first 2 to 3 hours after surgery.
- Do not rub the wound or touch it with your tongue or finger, do not pull your lips or cheeks to inspect the place of the surgery during the first 14 days.
- Do not smoke, otherwise you are putting the healing process at risk and complications are possible.
- The food you take should be liquid or pureed. Avoid hot and cold liquids or foods.
- Do not take foods that are too sour, too sweet or excessively bitter.
- Do not brush in the area of the wound for the first two weeks, but maintain normal hygiene in the other sectors of the mouth, i.e. brushing with toothpaste and toothbrush. Rinse the mouth by letting the water flow out of it. Gargling and creating pressure in the oral cavity is prohibited.
- Do not use mouthwashes or rinsing solutions.
- From the second day after surgery, start applying a special gel prescribed by your doctor, very gently and carefully, without rubbing or pressing. The aim is to form a layer of the gel on the wound. No food or fluids should be taken for ten minutes after application. The gel must be applied 6 times a day until the 14th day after surgery, and then used 4 times a day for the next 14 days.
- If you are prescribed an antibiotic, strictly follow the intake schedule.
- It is possible that swelling occurs, which will be greater on the second day after the intervention, and then will begin to subside.
- If you are in pain, take only the painkillers prescribed by the surgeon.
- If you have a stitch or stitches, they will be removed after the 14th day and after your surgeon examines them.
- He/she will also determine the frequency of check-ups.
- Avoid any intensive physical activities, do not lift heavy objects or exercise.
A quick check:
When do I need to see my doctor?
If you are experiencing: severe pain, constant bleeding, recurrent swelling.
Why is care and prevention important?
Bacterial inflammation of the gums and bone around the implants (peri-implantitis) is one of the rare complications that may occur.
