Are you moving forward with getting dental implants as a way to replace missing teeth? While you may feel well-educated about what is involved with getting the procedure, it is equally important to know what happens afterward. Here are a few things that you need to know about recovering from dental implant surgery. 

Post-Operative Care

Your surgeon will give you instructions to follow immediately after the surgery. It's important that you stick to these instructions since they are tailored to your specific needs. This will be based on the number of implants you have, the locations of the implants, and if you need a bone graft for the implant to be placed in your mouth. 

Pain and Swelling

You will likely experience pain and swelling after the procedure. This can best be managed by using pain medication, with an over-the-counter medication being your first choice. If that doesn't do the trick, then ask your dentist about something that is prescription strength and stronger.

You can reduce swelling by applying some ice to your face. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth so that it doesn't rest directly against your skin, and hold it there for several minutes before giving the skin some relief. If you get implants on both sides of your mouth, alternating sides with one ice pack is a great way to do it. 

Nutrition and Diet

Be mindful of what you eat immediately following the procedure. It's best to eat soft foods that are not difficult to chew and avoid anything chewy, crunchy, or hard. You'll also want to avoid using any straws for drinking because they can put a lot of pressure on your mouth and cause complications. 

Oral Care

Pay attention to the parts of your mouth that you are brushing, since you will want to avoid brushing the surgical site for a few days after the procedure. Instead, gently brush around the area, use mouthwash to keep the bacteria away, and do your best to avoid irritating the area.

Follow-up Care

You'll need to return to your surgeon for a follow-up appointment to see how the implants are healing, and it is likely that X-rays will be taken to see how things are healing under the gums. Your surgeon will give you the next steps for what you should do in terms of post-surgery care, and help set you up for success as best as they can.  

For more info about dental implant treatments, contact a local company.