Pre and Post-Operative Advice

Our dental implant treatment aims to create a healthy, long-lasting oral foundation. To achieve this, your dentist will give you advice on how you can best prepare.

Preparing for Your Dental Implant Treatment

It is vital to make sure you understand the whole process when opting for dental implant treatment. This increases the chances of the best possible results:

  • Please read any paperwork and advice given to you before the treatment. We will be more than happy to go over any concerns or questions you may have.
  • Pre-medications and standard medications should be taken as advised – if unsure, please talk to us.
  • Do not plan any significant events after the implant treatment. It is better to keep your activity light.
  • No smoking is allowed ten days before and two weeks after treatment.
  • It is best not to have alcohol 24 hours before the surgical treatment procedure.
  • Eat a meal beforehand since you may not get to eat for a few hours after treatment.
  • If you wear dentures, these may need to be modified and adjusted to accommodate the implants. You may even need to use denture adhesive for a while. Subsequently, denture relining may be required to allow the denture to fit the new area.
  • If you are undergoing sedation as well: you need to bring a responsible adult with you; who will stay with you for 24 hours after. You will not be able to drive or operate any machinery for 24 hours after the treatment.

Throughout your treatment planning, we will provide you with any further information you need during the process.

Post-Dental Implant Treatment

After your treatment, several factors can help the implant. Our post-operative advice covers any questions you may have after receiving your dental implant treatment from us.

  • You may get moderate to severe pain for the first 48 hours, which then subsides to mild discomfort. If you notice that the pain is worsening or is very severe, you need to contact the practice.
  • How much discomfort you experience depends on the number of implants and any associated surgery, for example, bone grafting.
  • If you do experience any pain or discomfort, as you may slightly after this type of surgery, it is advisable to take your usual dosage on Ibuprofen (Neurofen), as it is an anti-inflammatory.
  • A soft diet is recommended especially for the first few days. For ease of chewing and not to disturb the healing site, avoid foods with seeds or anything that can get stuck in the healing site.
  • Use a mouthwash instead of a toothbrush for the first couple of days while the area is sore and healing. You can use prescription chlorhexidine (Corsodyl) which is antibacterial to keep the site free from infection and aid healing.
  • You must not rinse with warm saltwater after this type of surgery for the first few days. The reason is that the surgical site may get disrupted.
  • It is advisable not to consume alcohol while you are on any prescription medication. Continue to take your regularly prescribed medication as advised.
  • Try not to disturb the area of the surgery. This can be by chewing large amounts of food in the mouth or aggressive cleaning in this area, especially while the area is trying to heal.
  • There may be some limited bleeding or minor oozing. You will be given some bite pads. You can use these on the area for 30 minutes to one hour. The bleeding should stop with this action. If, however, the bleeding persists, then you need to contact the practice as an emergency or your doctor’s emergency number.
  • If you notice swelling, you can use an icepack on the outside side of your face. Anti-inflammatory medication, such as Neurofen is helpful with swelling.
  • Try to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids subsequently. Avoid any hot liquids while you are still numb from the local anaesthetic.
  • If you are given antibiotics, please make sure that you complete the course. Also, the birth control pill may become ineffective, so alternative precautions will probably need to be taken.
  • You will need to avoid smoking altogether. This is because it interferes with bone regeneration and the healing process.
  • It is essential to avoid pressure on the implants for two weeks after they have been placed. This allows better initial stability of the implants. If you have a denture, this will be adjusted carefully to avoid excessive pressures on the implants.

At Al-FaPerio, we are here to provide you with all the advice and information you need to get the best possible results from your dental implant treatment. Like natural teeth, we need to look after the implants and prevent infections from developing.

BOOK A CONSULTATION TODAY

We offer all our dental implant consultations and treatments at our London clinic. You can call us on 020 8506 0701 or fill out the form here for more information on all our treatments.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.