In this video, we will understand the post-operative care for dental implants. Learn more at https://www.fernandogiovanella.com Instagram: / drfernandogio POST-OPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS after dental implant surgery: You have undergone surgery, so it is important to keep in mind that full recovery from surgery also depends on your care and participation, following the following recommendations. 1 - Post-surgical edema: Some swelling is normal after surgery. It reaches its maximum peak in about 48 to 72 hours. To limit the amount of edema, it is important to do two things: rest, the less you talk, the less you move your mouth, the better, and apply an ice pack to the face. The ice promotes vasoconstriction, reducing bleeding and edema. The application should be done by placing the ice pack on the face for about 20 minutes on one side and then 20 minutes on the other, always alternating so as not to burn the skin. Repeat this application several times during the first 24 hours after surgery. It is recommended to protect the skin with petroleum jelly or moisturizing creams. Keep your lips lubricated: Apply liquid petroleum jelly or protective creams to your lips to keep them lubricated, preventing dryness. Surgical manipulation can cause minor trauma to the lips due to the use of retractors. In the postoperative period, the region may become ulcerated and dry, causing some discomfort. The use of liquid petroleum jelly or protective creams during the period aims to lubricate and protect the region, especially in the corners of the lips. Do not smoke in the postoperative period: the negative pressure created inside the mouth due to the suction during smoking can promote bleeding, in addition to nicotine delaying healing. Fever: a slight fever, around 37.8°C, is normal in the first 24 to 48 hours and this does not require additional medication. Bleeding: A little bleeding is normal in the first 24 hours. It is advisable not to spit or rinse vigorously in the first 24 hours after surgery. If there is more intense bleeding, moisten a gauze pad with saline solution or cold filtered water, fold it, place it over the surgical site and maintain firm pressure for approximately 20 minutes. If necessary, repeat the operation with the gauze. It is important that the gauze pad is sterile so as not to spread contamination to the surgical site. You may find blood stains on your pillow in the morning, this is normal. Do not spit or suck through a straw, as this can cause bleeding. Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in an armchair. Complete rest is necessary for the first 24 hours. When lying down, keep your head higher than the rest of your body. The less you lower your head in the postoperative period, the less blood will flow to the operated area. Consequently, the lower the chances of bleeding and edema. During the first 3 days, no physical exercise should be done, as this may increase blood pressure, which may cause hemorrhage and edema. After the seventh day, walks can be taken, and around the 10th day, normal physical activities can be performed. Restrictions on opening the mouth during recovery: It is normal to feel some discomfort when chewing or opening the mouth during the first few weeks after surgery, as the mucosa is still in the healing process. Respect these limits imposed by your body. Diet: Eating properly is essential for your recovery. Adequate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins are necessary. Bruising: Bruising (purple spots on the skin) may occasionally occur. This is more common in people with fair skin. Brushing and mouthwash: It is extremely important to maintain oral hygiene. In cases where there are teeth in some of the arches, these should be brushed and flossed as normal. In the area of ​​the newly installed implants, you will notice that there are metal caps over the implants. In the first 24 hours, these devices do not need to be brushed to prevent bleeding. Hygiene will be performed only with the prescribed antiseptic. Do not rinse your mouth strongly for the first 24 hours, just let the solution bathe your teeth and implant caps. After installing the fixed teeth on the implants, we will guide you on how to clean the teeth on the implants. Medications: Take the prescribed medication correctly! Do not take other medications without a prescription. Any adverse reactions related to the medication must be reported immediately. Numbness in the face: it is normal for your lips to feel numb for some time after surgery. This happens due to the separation of the nerves. Sensitivity will return in a few weeks or months. https://www.fernandogiovanella.com