After undergoing implant surgery, a patient may feel discomfort in the surgical area. Practitioners advise that patients avoid touching the area but instead apply an ice pack over the site. Application of cold for 10 minutes with five minutes in between sessions can help to relieve both swelling and pain. Some patients may feel numbness or looseness rather than pain. Such sensations are typically temporary, but dentists recommend that patients call their practitioners with any serious concerns.
In terms of cleaning, experts recommend that patients use low-abrasion cleaning products to avoid scratching of any new surfaces. Fluoride, baking soda, and stain removing toothpastes can be hazardous to the sensitive surfaces of new implants. Soft toothbrushes are often safest, while nylon coated interdental implements can help a patient to clean tight spaces between the implant and the existing teeth. Unwaxed floss and water flossers also do much to remove debris between teeth and keep the area around the implant safe from infection.