Recovery After Dental Implant Surgery: A Guide to Healing

If you are scheduled for a dental implant or surgical procedure, you may be concerned about how you will manage while you heal.  Put your concerns to rest, and just remember that that a few simple steps coupled with a good dental hygiene routine are  the key to comfortable recovery post a dental surgery. 

At all times remember that  every person's natural healing capabilities have their own pace, so do not compare with what others have been through. 

Here are some things you can mindfully practice, so that your path to recovery is easy and effortless

- Mind Your Oral Hygiene:

Post surgery, ensure that your mouth stays rinsed and free of food particles after every meal. Using a soft-bristled brush gently clean your teeth twice a day, without going too close the surgical part. Floss regularly, while being equally careful.

Your dentist will prescribe the appropriate antibacterial mouthwash to keep bacteria and infections away.  

- Chuck the tobacco:

Consuming tobacco based products, smoking or vaping can contaminate  the area of the implant surgery. It is in your best interests to stay away from these, so that your recover is trouble-free.

- Stick to prescribed medication only:

Firstly, prior to your surgery, inform your surgeon about your medical history, allergies (if any), and current medication that you are on (eg., thyroid, BP or diabetes medicine).

Your specialist will prescribe painkillers and other medication as well as their dosage which is suited to you, so please do not self-medicate. This will ensure that the pain and swelling stay in control, while healing. 

If you have been given antibiotics, complete the course even if you feel you can manage without the medicine. In a few cases, people feel nauseous due to the anaesthesia, and can be helped with specific medicine for it.

Your medication and prescription are only meant for you, and hence medicines prescribed in it should never be recommended to others at any point of time, as it could cause an unexpected reaction.

Rest it out:

Rest and good sleep help you conserve your energy, which is very important for speedy and complete recovery. If you are a working professional, you can schedule your surgery close to a weekend and take an additional 2 or 3 days off, so that you have sufficient time to get better.

There may pain and swelling, so keeping an ice-pack around the area of the jaw alleviates the pain. 

Lifting heavy objects or strenuous activities are to be avoided, as the pressure may affect tissues around the area of surgery. 

Let your diet be part of your healing:

Food is an important ingredient in the recipe for swift recovery. Eating foods that are cooked till soft or mashed, are ideal. This will ensure that chewing is minimal and puts less pressure on the jaws.

Stay away from extremely hot or cold food, spicy dishes, citrus fruits and crunchy snacks. 

Soups, daals, khichdi, mashed veggies and juices (except citrus) provide sufficient nutritional value and ensure that the surgical area is not disturbed unnecessarily.

Light exercises: 

Just like loads of rest and sleep are essential, so is light exercise. Instead of heading to the gym for a rigorous workout, you can step out for a walk and do light stretches or yoga.  Pranayama is also a good way to calm your mind and assist your healing. 

These are just the basic steps to follow once your surgery is done, and you are on your way to recovery.  At all times, follow instructions given by the dental experts, and keep them informed at all times.

If you feel uncomfortable, observe any bleeding or shooting pain, immediately book an appointment with your dentist and get it treated.

For any other queries about recovery from post-dental surgery, call: 1800-102-0288