5 Mistakes to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery

1. Skipping Rest

Rest is key after dental implant surgery. Avoid physical activities that might increase your blood pressure and lead to bleeding. Most people need one to two days of rest, while others might require up to a week for full recovery. We advise to avoid physical contact sports for 1 week.

2. Rinsing Too Forcefully

Rinse your mouth gently. Harsh rinsing or spitting can irritate the surgical site and cause sutures to fall out. Use a mild saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water) or nonalcoholic mouthwash to keep the area clean without causing irritation.

3. Using a Straw

Avoid straws for at least 72 hours.. The suction can disturb the blood clot around the implant site, increasing the risk of bleeding, infection, or delayed healing. Instead, stick to soft foods like smoothies, but sip directly from the cup.

4. Eating Hard or Spicy Foods

Hard, crunchy, or spicy foods can irritate the sensitive surgical area. Stick to soft, gentle foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs until your mouth heals. Slowly start eating your regular foods as your mouth heals.

5. Ignoring Persistent Pain

Swelling and soreness are normal for a few days, but persistent pain should not be ignored. Contact your surgeon immediately if discomfort doesn’t improve after day five, as it might signal an issue requiring attention.