Dental Implants

During a dental implant procedure, we anaesthetize the region and place the dental implant by cutting the gums and drilling through the bone. After placing the implant, we either cover the implant with a cover screw or a healing abutment or give a temporary crown based on the clinical evaluation.
Healing of the bone around the implants takes anywhere between 3–8 months and this time is crucial for the long term success of the surgery. Please:-

• Do not touch or feel the implant area with fingers or tongue or any foreign object. Micro movement can cause implant failure. Do not apply any kind of pressure over the implant.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene as infections can lead to implant failure.
  • Brush twice a day with a soft hand and a normal toothbrush but avoid the area of surgery for the first 24 hours. Rinse very gently, do not swirl water inside mouth vigorously.
  • DO NOT rinse for the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • After 24 hours, delicately rinse with lukewarm salt water and/or chlorhexidine mouthwash after every meal or 2-3 times a day atleast for two weeks. Gentle rinsing should take around 5 minutes to use an entire glassful. Please DO NOT be vigorous with the rinses.
• For 2 weeks, consume soft non-chewy nutritionally balanced diet at room temperature, do not eat hard or sticky food and do not consume hot drinks and meals. DO NOT chew on the surgical site. Cold drinks are preferable. You can gradually return to your normal diet once the gums heal.
• DO NOT eat crunchy/chewy food like peanuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, granola bars, chocolates, candies, carrots etc or any similar sticky food for at least 2 weeks after surgery to prevent food debris in mouth. Strictly avoid these type of foods over the surgical area till crown is placed (4-6 months)
• Till the final crown is placed over the implant (4-6 months), make a habit to chew/bite first from the opposite side of the mouth. DO NOT chew directly on the surgical site.
• Do not use straw to drink anything, sip slowly with a cup.
• Smoking can easily cause implant failure, avoid for atleast 2-3 months after surgery, even alcohol should be avoided for atleast a week.
• Do not blow nose or spit.
• Limit physical activity for the first 4-7 days including intense workout/exercise (e.g., running, weight-lifting).
• Pain and swelling is normal after implant placement and it can take 7-10 days to resolve. Please take prescribed medication as per schedule and complete the antibiotic course.
• Apply ice pack to reduce swelling for the first 24 hours (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
• Elevate your head with a pillow while sleeping in case of swelling, pain or discomfort.
• Sutures may be placed to help healing, visit us after 7 days for a check-up.
• If you are a diabetic, please ensure to control your sugar levels. High or low sugar levels can be detrimental to the healing process and implant success.
• Keeping your mouth wide open during the surgery can cause the corners of the lips to stretch, and may dry out and start cracking. Keep them moist with Vaseline/lip balm. Wide mouth opening can also cause jaw muscles to overstretch causing discomfort/jaw pain. This is normal after surgery and will resolve in time.
• If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, we may ask you to wear a night guard, especially during the healing process.
• Focus more on dental hygiene after implant placement. Remember, implant is an artificial tooth, and needs more care than natural teeth

The time of recovery depends on bone health, the number of teeth implanted, and your overall health. Anyway, we are a phone call away, do not hesitate to call us if you need any advice.