Placing dental implants involves a simple procedure. However, post-operative care is really important in order to ensure that your dental implants heal properly. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimised if you follow the instructions of your dentist carefully.

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants in Basingstoke is a straightforward procedure and no one wants to have any kind of complications or failure after the operation. For this reason, at Glenholme Dental Centre, we give clear instructions to our patients and we advise them to visit frequently for routine check-ups and cleanings.

What to do and not to do after the operation

The effects of local anaesthesia normally last 3-4 hours. However, patients who have opted for sedation will need more time to return to their normal activities, and it is recommended that they always bring someone to drive them home.

In the first few weeks after the implant operation, you should avoid eating hard foods. Soft, nutritious food is recommended for at least two weeks and then you can start re-introducing certain foods into your diet. It is also important to avoid touching the implant sites with your tongue or your fingers as they may become infected.

If you keep bleeding and the swelling does not go away, carefully place an ice pack on your cheek and take some anti-inflammatory drugs. If the symptoms continue for more than a week, visiting the dentist is imperative, since they might be something wrong with the integration of the dental implants.

In the first few days after the operation, avoid brushing directly on the implant sites. Instead, use a soft toothbrush and rinse with the mouthwash that your dentist will provide. This keeps your mouth clean and minimises infection.

Avoid physical exercise for a few weeks, since it may cause bleeding or affect your stiches. Please remember that smoking is strongly discouraged, since it delays the healing process.

Overall, it is really important to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine at home and attend your check-up appointments. Your dentist will monitor your progress and will let you know as soon as your dental implants in Basingstoke heal.