All forms of dental surgery, from crown lengthening to dental implants, consist of three distinct components or steps. In the first step, you and your periodontist will determine that the surgical procedure is necessary and beneficial. In the second step, the actual surgery is performed using the most effective techniques and latest technology. In the last step, healing must take place.
To promote healing, your top objectives will be to keep the surgical area as clean as possible by brushing and flossing gently after meals and at bedtime.
The final step of healing is arguably the most important, since the surgical procedure cannot be successful unless it heals properly. However, as the patient, you will assume quite a bit of the responsibility in this step. It’s imperative that you understand the importance of good oral hygiene after surgery, and your actions could either help or hinder the healing process.
To promote healing, your top objectives will be to keep the surgical area as clean as possible by brushing and flossing gently after meals and at bedtime.
You should be mindful of any food particles or plaque that could be lingering anywhere in the mouth, since these irritants can trigger an unhealthy inflammatory response. Inflammation and the presence of plaque bacteria are notorious for impairing your body’s ability to recovery from surgery. Unfortunately, the mouth is a small place filled with a large bacterial population. An infection in one part of the mouth can easily spread to another area, and that includes your new surgical site.
If you have undergone gingival grafting or bone grafting, poor oral hygiene could prevent the new tissue from integrating correctly. For procedures like dental implant surgery, gum disease and poor plaque control can prevent the implant post from fusing with the surrounding bone and gum tissue.
Simple habits like rinsing gently after meals, brushing and flossing regularly, and using the oral hygiene products that have been prescribed for you can keep you comfortable after your surgery and make the healing process successful.
Contact our periodontist at Park Cities Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at 214-949-1836 today to schedule an informative consultation regarding your upcoming dental surgery.