CARING FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN RESTON, VA

Help Your New Smile Last For Life

Are you ready to start your journey to a complete smile with dental implants? That is great! While you are excited to begin the process, you are probably a little concerned about your recovery and what you can expect as you heal. You have nothing to fear! Dr. Wayne Myles has the information you need to care for dental implants after receiving treatment in his Reston, VA, dental office. He wants all of his patients to feel at ease about their recovery process.

HEALING AFTER IMPLANT TREATMENT

The first phase of your treatment will involve the surgical placement of your implant posts. It will take time for the implants to fully fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration and may take 3 to 6 months. As with any surgery, there will be a recovery time and some discomfort for a few days after your appointment:

  • Bleeding: Bleeding and blood-tinged saliva are normal for the first 24 hours after the procedure. We recommend that patients bite on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes and replace the gauze until the bleeding stops. Please contact us if excessive bleeding occurs.
  • Swelling: To minimize swelling after your implant surgery, apply cold compresses to the outside of your mouth as needed for the first 48 hours.
  • Pain: After your local anesthetic wears off, some discomfort may set in. To help manage it, take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
  • Medications: Dr. Myles may prescribe you medications to take, like antibiotics. Fill your prescription prior to your appointment so you have it on hand when you come home. Take it as recommended.
  • Activity: It is best to rest for the first 24 hours after your procedure.
  • Diet: For the first few days after your surgery, it is best to stick to a soft food diet, like yogurt and soup. As you begin to resume your normal diet, avoid anything that may cause irritation to the surgical site, like spicy or hard foods.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY IMPLANTS?

Although your mouth will be sore, you will still need to maintain your oral hygiene. On the night of the oral surgery, it is best to rinse your mouth with warm salt water or a rinse that has been recommended by Dr. Myles. Carefully brush and floss your teeth to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. When cleaning around the implant posts, be careful to avoid causing injury or irritation to the healing tissue.

With the right aftercare, your recovery process should not include any unexpected surprises; however, if a problem does arise, like severe pain or excessive bleeding, do not hesitate to call our office for advice on how to manage your symptoms. Dr. Myles will answer your questions and address your concerns. In some cases, he may recommend that you come in to have the issue evaluated.

Request An Appointment

WE'VE GOT THE ANSWERS

CONTACT US

Call Now Button