What Should You Avoid Doing After Dental Implant Surgery?

Tooth loss can affect more than just your appearance – it can impact your overall quality of life as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with gaps in your smile for the rest of your life. With dental implants, you can enjoy a complete and fully functioning set of teeth once again! If you want your newly rebuilt grin to last, there are many precautions you need to take during your recovery from dental implant surgery. That said, here are a few things you should avoid following your procedure.

Smoking and Using Tobacco

After dental implant surgery, you’ll need to wait about three to six months for the titanium post to fuse with the jawbone via osseointegration. Well, poor dental habits like smoking and using tobacco products can delay the healing process. They can also significantly increase your chances of experiencing dental implant failure. For that reason, you should kick these habits to the curb before or after your procedure.  

Vigorous Rinsing

It’s strongly recommended that you avoid rinsing vigorously for the first two days after dental implant surgery. Otherwise, you may accidentally disturb the implant site and cause bleeding. While cleaning your teeth, be sure to gently swish the mouthwash or water around your mouth. Don’t spit – let it flow out of your mouth over the sink.

Strenuous Exercise

Most patients can resume their usual activities the day after dental implant surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous physical exercise for at least two to three days following your procedure. It can increase blood flow and cause more bleeding around the surgical site. That said, you should rest up until your dentist says otherwise.

Eating Hard, Hot, and Spicy Foods

Make sure you stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days following dental implant placement. If you eat hard, hot, or spicy foods, it can delay healing and increase your risk of implant failure. Try and chew your food on the side of your mouth away from the surgical site. It’ll allow your implant to heal without any interruptions.

Drinking with a Straw

One of the most important things you must do while healing is care for the blood clot that forms on the surgical site. Using a straw creates a suction in the mouth that can potentially dislodge the blood clot, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid drinking carbonated beverages as they could irritate the soft tissue around the implant site.

If you have dental implant surgery soon, review the advice above on what NOT to do after your procedure. Avoiding those things will help you have a speedy and smooth sailing recovery!

About the Practice

At Marble Dental McKinney, we provide exceptional and compassionate dental care unlike anywhere else. Our team is passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve their healthiest, happiest smiles. If you have any questions about your upcoming dental implant surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out. Visit our website or call (214) 592-0441 to speak to a member of our team today!