A Smile Worth Saving: Full-Arch Implant Aftercare

One of the most important things to know before getting your full-arch implant is what to expect after the procedure is finished. The days and weeks following the procedure are critical to the long-term success of your operation, so be sure to read through this guide carefully and follow all in-person instructions given by your doctor as closely as possible. 

As soon as you return home from the office following the surgery, be sure to:

·        Avoid touching the implant area

·        Apply gentle pressure on it by biting down to slow the bleeding

·        Consume only soft food or liquids until the anaesthetic wears off

·        Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing

·        Apply ice packs on the affected area if you feel soreness

·        Get plenty of rest to promote healing

·        Avoid smoking and alcohol

Maintain good oral hygiene:

Among the most important things you can do to ensure smooth healing and stellar smile for years to come is practicing proper hygiene. Following the procedure, brush your teeth as you normally would, avoiding the implant area and rinsing the implant site with a warm saltwater mixture to remove food debris. Also, make sure to avoid using electric toothbrushes or water flossing devices for a few days after the surgery.

Over the long term, be sure to consistently brush and floss as normal. Remember that although dental implants can’t get cavities, the surrounding soft tissues can get infected if proper hygiene is not maintained.  Continue to regularly meet with your dentist to ensure that your smile remains healthy for the life of your full-arch implant. 

Control the bleeding:

Bleeding from the implant site is common for up to three days following the procedure. You can control bleeding by biting down on gauze for around an hour every 6-10 hours as needed after returning home. To avoid excessive bleeding, do not engage in rigorous activities such as exercise or forceful movements such as spitting or drinking through a straw until the implant site properly heals.  

Lessen the pain:

We recommend easing post-implant pain with Tylenol, as studies have shown that other over-the-counter painkillers such as Advil, Aleve, and Ibuprofen can interfere with the osseointegration process. You should take it after the anaesthesia wears off or when you feel too uncomfortable. When taking it, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging as well as any specific recommendations provided by your dentist.

Keep a healthy diet:

Just as eating healthily can contribute to the well-being of regular teeth, it can help lessen the chance of infection and complications for full-arch implants too! Following the procedure itself, avoid hard or crunchy foods and stick to liquids or soft foods until the implant site is fully healed. As you heal, the nutrients of a well-rounded diet will help expedite the healing process and ensure that your smile remains stunning for decades to come. 

Check back in with your dentist often:

In addition to the scheduled post-operation follow-ups, be sure to regularly visit your dentist at least once a year as recommended by your dentist just as you would if you had regular teeth. After all, as much as your smile will be a blessing, it will also be a commitment that you will have to actively make the most of if you want it to last for the rest of life. Now that you know how to properly care for your full-arch implant, let’s start tomorrow’s untouchable smile today!