Caring for Your Full Mouth Dental Implants

Knowing what to expect before and after full mouth dental implant surgery is a crucial step for peace of mind going into the procedure. We understand that undergoing oral surgery can be a significant decision for many people. Rest assured, we're here to support you through every step of the process, including providing comprehensive post-surgery care. 

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In this blog post, we'll discuss essential tips and best practices to ensure a smooth recovery after your dental implant surgery, minimize potential complications, and promote long-term implant success.  This is no a comprehensive list and as always you should follow your doctor’s full instructions.

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Follow Your Dentist's Instructions:

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Our team of dental implant professionals will provide you with specific post-operative instructions tailored to your individual needs both at your pre-surgery smile design appointment and again at your surgery appointment. It's essential to follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent complications. These instructions may include:

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• Taking prescribed medications as directed, including antibiotics and pain relievers.
• Using a cold compress to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
• Maintaining a soft-food diet for a specified period to avoid putting stress on the implant sites.

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Proper Oral Hygiene:

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Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a smooth recovery and infection prevention after surgery. In the days following your procedure, gently clean the visible surfaces of your teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush while avoiding the surgical site. Your doctor will advise you when it's appropriate to resume regular brushing. Additionally, use warm salt water rinses to keep the surgical area clean without causing irritation. We recommend letting the solution “roll around” in your mouth and avoid vigorous swishing to not disrupt the surgical site. As your healing advances, you can gradually reintroduce your usual oral care routine, including brushing, flossing, and using a non-alcoholic mouthwash.

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Avoid Smoking:

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We strongly encourage our patients to quit smoking altogether with dental implant treatment. Smoking can significantly impact the healing process and raise the risk of complications. We recommend avoiding both smoking and alcohol consumption for a minimum of 72 hours before and after surgery or as instructed by your dentist. By quitting smoking completely, you can protect your overall oral health and ensure the long-term success of your full mouth dental implants.

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Smoking negatively affects full mouth dental implants in several ways, including:

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Impaired healing: Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to tissues hinder the healing process after dental implant surgery, potentially prolonging recovery time and increasing the risk of complications.

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Infection: Chemicals in cigarette smoke can compromise the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infections. This increases the risk of developing an infection around the dental implant site, which can potentially lead to implant failure.

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Osseointegration problems: Smoking negatively affects bone metabolism and reduces bone density, impeding the proper osseointegration of the dental implant. This process, where the bone grows around and bonds with the implant, creates a strong foundation for the replacement teeth.

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Gum disease: Smokers are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, which can lead to bone loss around the implant site. Gum disease compromises the stability of the dental implant, ultimately resulting in implant failure.

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Reduced long-term success: Studies have shown that smoking lowers the long-term success rate of full mouth dental implants (Alani & Bishop, 2014). Quitting smoking significantly increases the chances of your dental implants remaining successful and healthy for years to come.

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Attend Follow-Up Appointments:

Your post-operative care plan at Nuvia Dental Implant Center will likely include follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure your full mouth dental implants are integrating successfully. It's crucial to attend these appointments and promptly report any concerns or complications to your dentist. By doing so, you can address any issues early and maximize the chances of a successful outcome.

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Listen to your body:

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Your body knows best, so trust yourself. If you feel like you need more time to rest and get better, it's important to listen to that feeling. We usually say to avoid hard activities for 2 weeks, so you don't hurt yourself or the area where the surgery was. But if you need more time, that's okay. Your body will tell you when you're feeling better. Don't force yourself to do things if you're not ready.

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We strive to provide you with exceptional care and support to ensure a smooth recovery from dental implant surgery. By following the essential tips and best practices outlined above, you can minimize complications and promote long-term implant success. Remember that individual experiences may vary, and it's crucial to follow your dentist's specific instructions and maintain open communication throughout the healing process. To find out if you qualify for full mouth dental implants, take our 60-second quiz now. 

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Sources:

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Alani, A., & Bishop, K. (2014). Peri-implantitis. Part 2: Prevention and maintenance. British Dental Journal, 216(3), 107-112. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.41

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