UNITED STATES—Swelling after dental implant surgery is totally normal—it just means your body is doing its job and healing. The good news is there are plenty of ways to ease the swelling and stay comfortable, whether you just got implants or had a preparatory procedure like a dental bone graft. Let’s go over some easy, effective ways to keep swelling under control and make your recovery smoother.

1. Use ice packs wisely

Swelling typically reaches its peak within the first couple of days after surgery before gradually going down over the next few days. During this early stage of your healing journey, using ice packs can really come in handy. An ice pack can shrink your blood vessels, alleviating swelling and discomfort. To use an ice pack, you can wrap it in a towel to protect your skin, then hold it against your cheek near the sore area for 15 to 20 minutes. Take a break for the same amount of time before reapplying and repeat as needed to keep the swelling in check.

2. Elevate your head when resting and sleeping

If you lay flat on your back, fluid can gather in your head and face, including near the surgical site. This worsens your swelling and can make your mouth and face puffier in the morning. When sleeping or resting, prop your head up with an extra pillow or two. Stay on your back, as laying on your side — especially the side with the implant — may increase swelling. If this feels uncomfortable or unnatural, you can try to sleep in a recliner for the first few days when your swelling may be at its worst.

3. Take any medications that can help promote healing

After getting dental implants in Queensbury, NY, your dentist might request that you take anti-inflammatories or other types of pain medications. Pain relievers can help with swelling and also help with the discomfort you’re experiencing to make your recovery go more smoothly. Over the counter (OTC) options might work too, but it’s always a good idea to run it by your dentist first. They can recommend an option tailored to your needs and make sure there are no risks, especially if you’re on any prescription medications. Since even a single tooth implant cost can be high, it can be worthwhile to follow your dentist’s instructions to make sure you heal properly.

3. Avoid physical exertion

Your body will likely use a lot of energy and resources to heal up after dental implant surgery. Vigorous exercise or other strenuous activities can worsen swelling and slow down your process of healing, along with cause your blood pressure to rise. Plus, getting your heart pumping with exercise can cause your blood pressure to rise. You should avoid this, since it can increase the risk of bleeding from the surgical site.

Give your body some well-earned rest. Avoid anything but light walking for the first two to three days. After that, you can increase the intensity of your workouts slightly but wait several days before returning to heavy lifting and other hard exertion.

5. Stick to a soft or liquid diet

The surgical site is fragile while it’s healing. Give it a break by steering clear of any foods that are hard, chewy, sticky, acidic, and too hot or cold. Try to eat only liquid or soft non-chewing foods (like protein smoothies, mashed potatoes, or warm soups) for the first 48 hours. After that, you can reintroduce items like well-cooked pasta, tender meats, soft fish, and cooked veggies. Drink plenty of water, too. Avoid drinking with a straw. Suction force can shake the implant loose or create a painful dry socket.

6. Swish your mouth gently with a saltwater solution

Saltwater can soothe the swelling and keep the area clean while you’re healing. To create a saltwater mix, you can mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, then swish gently in your mouth. Don’t swish too vigorously, or you might damage your implant site. Try to do these swishes 2 to 3 times a day during the healing process. Using saltwater to rinse your mouth is a good post-meal habit to remove food debris and keep everything clean in your mouth. It also helps prevent infection and promotes faster healing by keeping the surgical site free from bacteria.