Post-Op Instructions - Bozeman, MT
Proper Post-Op Care Plays a Pivotal Role in The Success of Dental Implants
Take Precautions to Enjoy a Positive, Long-Term Implant Experience
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants in Bozeman, MT does more than preserve your appearance—it also protects your oral health. Restoring your smile with a tooth replacement solution that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing is a significant first step. But you need to be aware that, like natural teeth, the tissue around your newly placed dental implants can become inflamed if you don’t follow proper precautions.
Poor oral hygiene and smoking can increase the risk of peri‐implantitis. This plaque‐related condition impacts tissue around dental implants, followed by progressive loss of supporting bone and eventual failure without treatment. Following pre-op guidelines and post-op instructions provided by the Gallatin Valley Surgical Arts team is integral to optimal healing and long-term success!
Key Steps to Follow After Dental Implant Surgery
IMMEDIATE POST-OP CARE (FIRST 24-48 HOURS)
Bleeding
After dental implant surgery in Bozeman, MT, taking it easy for a minimum of 48 hours aids in healing and decreases postsurgical bleeding. It’s common to experience light bleeding for up to two days after your procedure. Bite down gently on gauze for 30–60 minutes to control bleeding, and if it continues, use a new gauze pad and apply light pressure. If you received a removable overdenture, place gauze in the molar region and bite down.
Swelling & Bruising
You can apply an ice pack to your cheek during the first 24 hours following surgery (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off). After 24 hours, gentle heat is more beneficial. Sleeping slightly on two to three pillows can also help reduce swelling. The good news is that swelling typically peaks within 48–72 hours and gradually lessens throughout the following week. If swelling is excessive or increases after subsiding, contact our office immediately.
Pain Management
Follow our instructions closely, and take pain medication as prescribed. Taking pain relievers regularly can make your recovery more comfortable and prevent discomfort from escalating. Nausea is a normal side effect of narcotic pain medications. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, you may need to stop taking them or take additional anti-nausea medication. Taking this type of medication after eating may be beneficial to help prevent nausea.
Diet & Nutrition
Eating the wrong foods after dental implant surgery at Gallatin Valley Surgical Arts can cause the implant posts to shift, food debris to build up at the gum line, and too much pressure on the implants. To prevent complications and increased pain, stick to a liquid diet (cold but not icy liquids) for the first 24 hours, including staying hydrated with adequate water.
Don’t use a straw because the sucking motion can dislodge blood clots at your surgical sites. Once you progress to soft foods, choose items that don’t require chewing, like applesauce, yogurt, protein shakes, broths, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Avoid spicy or acidic foods that can inflame sensitive gum tissue.
Oral Hygiene & Cleaning
Immediately after implant surgery in Bozeman, MT, it’s important to avoid brushing or rinsing your mouth to allow the blood clots to form undisturbed. Swishing gently with a saltwater rinse (1 tsp salt + 8 oz warm water) after 24 hours can help alleviate pain. You can also use a gauze pad soaked in the same saltwater solution to gently clean around your implant(s).
Important Things to Avoid After Implant Surgery
- Drinking alcohol for the first 48 hours
- Using a straw and vigorous rinsing
- Eating hot, complex, or acidic foods
- Using a water flosser (until 12 weeks post-surgery)
- Working out or exercising
- Touching or poking your surgical sites
- Smoking or vaping for at least 10 days (preferably until fusion is complete)
AFTER 48 HOURS
Oral Hygiene
After 48 hours, you can resume brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but you must be extremely cautious around your implant site(s) and avoid direct contact with the posts. You can start rinsing with the oral mouthwash as prescribed and continue with the warm saltwater solution rinse for several days to weeks.
Diet & Nutrition
It’s important to gradually introduce warmer, softer foods into your daily routine. A soft food diet is often recommended for a full four weeks. Avoid eating hard and crunchy foods until our team has given you the green light.
Activity & Rest
Get plenty of rest during your recovery and avoid overexerting yourself. Staying off your feet during this time is advised because increased activity can cause additional strain on your sore jaw. You should avoid bending over or heavy lifting and forgo any strenuous exercise or physical activity for a minimum of five to seven days.
When to Call Our Practice
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after one to two hours
- Severe or increasing pain after 48 hours
- Signs of infection
- Swelling that worsens after 72 hours
- Pus or unusual discharge
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Loose implant(s) or difficulty biting
The Importance of At-Home Oral Hygiene and Periodic Professional Care
Like natural tooth roots, dental implants are susceptible to bacteria accumulating around your gum line, leading to inflammation and infection. Although the long-term success of implants is closely linked to the surgical phase of treatment and proper osseointegration, long-term maintenance is essential to maintain the health of your soft and hard tissues.
Dental implants’ longevity and durability depend on your commitment to following proper at-home oral hygiene and scheduling regular maintenance visits, per our recommendations. Dental implants from the Gallatin Valley Surgical Arts team are a substantial investment in your future health and happiness, so taking these steps helps to ensure your implants provide decades of exceptional function and smile beauty!
We’re Here for You, Post-Surgery Recovery and Beyond!
Schedule a consultation with our skilled oral surgeon.
