What should I pay attention to after dental implant surgery?
After dental implant surgery, general注意事项 include dietary adjustments, oral hygiene, activity restrictions, following medical advice for medication, and timely follow-up visits. If any physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital as soon as possible and proceed with treatment according to medical guidance.
1. Dietary Adjustments: For the first 24 hours after surgery, consume only lukewarm liquid or soft foods such as milk or porridge. Avoid chewing on the side where the implant was placed. For the first week after surgery, avoid hard, tough, spicy, or irritating foods, which may irritate the surgical site and cause bleeding or damage the implant.
2. Oral Hygiene: Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth within the first 24 hours after surgery. After 24 hours, gently brush areas of the mouth not involved in the surgery using a soft-bristled toothbrush. For the implant area, use an antiseptic mouthwash recommended by your dentist. Avoid using toothpicks to prevent accidental contact with the wound, which could interfere with healing.
3. Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities such as running or swimming for 1–2 weeks after surgery, and minimize vigorous head movements. Additionally, avoid forceful sucking actions, excessive talking, or loud laughing, as these may lead to bleeding at the surgical site or even displacement of the implant.
4. Follow Medical Advice for Medication: Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor to prevent infection. If postoperative pain is significant, take pain relievers as directed, but never adjust the dosage on your own. If you experience adverse reactions such as rash or nausea after taking medication, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your doctor promptly.
5. Timely Follow-Up Visits: Schedule and attend follow-up appointments one week, one month, and three months after surgery. During these visits, the doctor will evaluate wound healing and implant stability, and may adjust your bite if necessary. Regular annual check-ups are also required afterward to detect and manage potential issues such as gum recession or implant loosening at an early stage.
If persistent bleeding occurs after surgery and does not stop after 30 minutes of pressure, or if symptoms such as increasing severe pain, spreading swelling, fever, or implant loosening develop, seek immediate medical care without delay.