Just like other types of dental surgeries, after care should be the priority so that wounds can heal properly. It is normal if a patient experiences pain, fever, swelling or allergic reactions to certain medications after an oral surgery. All these are expected signs of recovery.
When it comes to full mouth dental implants, the whole recovery time will depend on how the procedure went and how well you take care of yourself after the procedure, and how your body reacts to the new implants.
Working together with a professional dentist will ensure you get proper guidance on recovering from any procedure.
What Not To Do
- Avoid smoking cigarettes. Tobacco and tar only discolor and dry the area around the wound. These chemicals are health hazards to exposed gum cells, especially on the first days of recovery. Smoking may also lead to failure in the osseointegration process.
- Avoid hot drinks and foods. This precaution will allow the gum cells to have a conducive environment for repair.
- Do not blow your nose. In case you need to sneeze, open your mouth to avoid exerting pressure in the sinus area.
- Avoid using straws. The vacuum created when sucking through a straw maybe be harmful to muscle tendons and gum cells around the wounds.
- Do not move up and down your lips to look at your stitches. This will only tear up any repaired gum tissues causing irritation.
- Avoid hard foods that may damage your teeth and jaws. This is due to the sensitivity of your gums.
What To Do
For a faster recovery, here are some good habits that can help improve the recovery process:
- At the initial stages, keep a firm but gentle pressure on the gauze packs by biting. This should be during the first 30 minutes after surgery. It will help to keep them in place.
- Be careful not to get anything into contact with the treated area. This includes the tongue.
- Change your diet into softer foods such as oatmeal and fruits or soft cheeses. This is to prevent irritation of your teeth.
- Apply gentle pressure while brushing your teeth. Even if you feel discomfort during this period oral hygiene is still important.
- Use non-alcoholic mouthwash afterward. If you do not have one, you can always use a teaspoon of baking soda, about eight ounces, mixed with a cup of water. This will help to reduce the acidity around the wounds. Do this every hour and your mouth will feel much more comfortable.
- Rest and apply ice if necessary.
During the later stages of the recovery process, you may notice bruising around the surgical areas or a greenish-yellowish discoloration. You shouldn’t be alarmed. It is actually a normal occurrence that only lasts about two to three days. Thereafter, you may apply moist heat to the area to decrease the discoloration.
Other signs that may pop up include dry lips and stiff jaw muscles. You may also happen to feel an edge of the tooth or a sharp protrusion, all of which are expected.
Make sure you take any antibiotics prescribed and pain killers. If any concerns arise, always feel free to contact your dentist.
