5 Things You Should Avoid Doing After Dental Implant Surgery

Do you have an upcoming appointment for dental implant surgery in Huntington Beach? Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions detailing how to take care of your mouth during recovery. Although you’ll know what to do following your surgery, do you know which things you shouldn’t do? If not, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are five things you should avoid doing to optimize your recovery.

Smoking or Using Tobacco Products

The dental implant procedure involves surgically inserting an implant into the jawbone. During your recovery, the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone tissue via a process called osseointegration. However, smoking or using tobacco products can affect the mouth’s healing process, meaning you can hinder your recovery and increase your chances of implant failure. With that said, it’s crucial that you quit smoking and using tobacco products before or after your procedure.   

Vigorous Rinsing

After dental implant surgery, you’ll want to avoid vigorously rinsing your mouth for the rest of the day as well as the following day. Otherwise, you can aggravate the implant site and cause bleeding. You must be very careful while cleaning your teeth! Make sure you gently swish the mouthwash around your mouth and avoid spitting it out. Instead, let it flow out of your mouth over the sink.

Intense Exercise

You should avoid intense exercise or other physical activity for about two to three days following your dental implant surgery. It can increase the blood flow and cause bleeding around the dental implant area. Try and take it easy for the first few days after your procedure! Giving your body plenty of time to rest will help it heal quickly and properly. You should wait until you’re cleared by your dentist before engaging in intense physical activity.

Eating Hard, Hot, and Spicy Foods

During your recovery, you’ll want to stick to a diet of soft, pureed foods for the immediate days following your surgery. Stay away from hard, hot, and spicy foods as they can negatively affect the healing process. Once you start to get more comfortable, you can slowly progress to firmer food. Just make sure you chew on the side of your mouth away from the implant site!

Drinking with a Straw

After dental implant surgery, avoid drinking with a straw! Doing so can dislodge the blood clot forming over the implant site, leading to a painful condition known as a dry socket. You’ll also want to stay away from carbonated drinks as they could irritate the gum tissue around the site.

Now you know which things you should avoid doing after dental implant surgery. By taking proper care of your mouth following the procedure, you can ensure your recovery is speedy, smooth sailing, and problem-free!

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga has an impressive 15 years of dentistry experience under his belt, making him an outstanding clinician – especially in periodontics and implant dentistry. Dr. Braga is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Board-Certified in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery. If you have missing teeth, he’s more than capable of restoring your smile and confidence with dental implants. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (714) 587-9094.