Dental implants are small posts made of biocompatible materials designed to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth. At Burba Dental Partners, we implant a titanium post into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure at our dental office. Once the post is in place and the gums have healed around the new teeth, we will attach to the post with small connector pieces called abutments. The entire restoration is then topped with a lifelike dental crown. The crown will match your natural teeth's shape, size, and color for a natural-looking smile! 

Most patients with good oral health who have lost one or more teeth in the past due to periodontal disease, an injury, or for other reasons are good candidates for dental implants. Final treatment outcomes can vary between patients depending on the jaw's bone density. Patients with lower bone density may require additional procedures to build up the bone before dental implant surgery can be performed. Also, patients who smoke may not be good candidates because the habit can reduce the success of the healing process after surgery.

Post-Op Care for Dental Implants 

Post-operative care plays a vital role in the success and longevity of dental implants. Here are some general guidelines for postoperative care following dental implant surgery:

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. However, you may need to take special care around the surgical site during the initial healing period. Follow these guidelines:

• Gently brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, including the implant area. Use non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after surgery. After that, you can rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution provided by our dentist or an antimicrobial mouthwash recommended by our dental professional. 
• Avoid flossing around the implant area until instructed to do so by our dentist. 

Swelling and Discomfort

It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort following implant surgery. To alleviate these symptoms:

• Apply ice packs to the outside of your face near the surgical area for 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling. 
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as our dentist recommends or use any prescribed pain medication.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity that could increase swelling or bleeding.

Diet and Nutrition

Stick to a soft and nutritious diet for the first few days after surgery to avoid irritating the surgical site. Reintroduce solid foods gradually, as directed by your dentist.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol consumption can impede healing and increase the risk of complications. During the healing phase, it is essential to avoid smoking and restrict alcohol consumption.

Follow-Up Appointments

Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist. These visits are essential for monitoring the healing process, removing sutures, and adjusting the treatment plan if necessary.

Following these post-op care instructions and any additional guidelines your dentist or oral surgeon provides is crucial. If you have any concerns or experience unexpected symptoms, such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, or implant loosening, contact Burba Dental Partners at 129 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970, or call (978) 703-0133 for guidance and assistance.