Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
We know you hear this over and over again, time after time, but no kidding that this is the golden rule when it comes to warding off infections. Cleanliness is paramount when bacteria is roaming around practically everywhere in your mouth. If the site of impact is not kept as sterile as possible, bacteria will have the chance to flourish. A simple mix of warm water and salt should do the trick for the treated areas. Rinsing your mouth with a mild mouthwash is also recommended so that your mouth will not become overly dry. Also, if you remember to brush after each meal you’ll be set for life.
Be Picky With Food Choices
Foods that are hard and chewy can irritate the treatment areas making it more vulnerable to infections. Hard or sharp foods like nuts can reopen surgical wounds and should be avoided at all cause until the wound is healed. It is recommended to maintain a diet of soft foods and liquids for at least several days after the operation.
Avoid Smoking
The smoke and chemicals can severely irritate gums which can lead to infections. It is strongly encouraged that patients give up smoking as a whole, or using any kind of tobacco product for that matter while healing after dental implant surgery. If you smoke regularly, a nicotine patch or other remedy may enable you to quit or significantly reduce the habit. Smoking can deprive your bloodstream and the site of surgery from much need oxygen, prolonging the opportunity for infections to arise while healing.
Take Your Antibiotics
If you were prescribed a course of antibiotics following your dental implant surgery, remember to take the full course in accordance with their instructions Failure to complete a full course of antibiotics can increase the risk of infection and possible render the whole treatment ineffective.
For more post-dental implant surgery tips please see a dental implant specialist or contact the office to consult with periodontist Dr. David Kao.
