3-Step Home Treatment For Relieving Discomfort The First Two Days After Dental Implants

Dentist Articles

After having dental implants inserted, you may be experiencing some discomfort from the inflammation and swelling. Although these symptoms are normal the first couple of days, you may still wonder if there is anything you can do at home to find relief. Use the following three-step home treatment twice a day to alleviate some of your pain.

Step 1:  Rinse Your Mouth With Tea Tree And Peppermint Oil Mouthwash

The first step in this home treatment involves rinsing with a mouthwash made with tea tree and peppermint oils. Both of these oils can be found in pharmacies, department stores, and many grocery stores. 

The tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic. It kills bacteria around the implant insertions sites, preventing the surgical areas from becoming infected.

The peppermint oil helps relieve pain by numbing the gum tissue and the nerves that supply it. Relief is often felt on contact.

In a small glass, mix together a quarter of a cup of cool water, five drops of tea tree oil, and 10 drops of peppermint oil. Do not use warm water because the sites have not fully healed. Water that is too warm could cause them to bleed by dissolving the clots.

Rinse your mouth with half of the solution for one minute. Spit it out and rinse with the other half for an additional minute. Then, go on to the next step.

Step 2:  Apply A Cold Salt Water Soaked Cotton Ball

After you have rinsed your mouth, this step uses a cotton ball soaked in cold salt water that is applied to the insertion sites. One cotton ball will be needed for each.

Salt serves two purposes in the treatment of your symptoms. First, it is a natural antiseptic that kills germs and thoroughly cleans the gums.

Second, it is an anti-inflammatory that will pull the swelling out of the gums which will ease any throbbing you may be experiencing. When applied cold, it will reduce your swelling even more by decreasing blood flow to the gums.

In a small bowl, mix together a cup of cold water and four tablespoons of salt. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This not only makes the salt water colder, but it also gives the salt time to fully dissolve.

Stir the salt water and place in a cotton ball for each insertion site. Soak the cotton balls completely and place them on your gums. Gently bite down to keep them in place for 10 minutes.

Once the time is up, remove the cotton balls. Rinse your mouth with cool water for a half of a minute, then go on to the third step.

Step 3:  Rub A Peppermint And Clove Oil Tincture On The Insertion Sites

Once you have rinsed your mouth, rub your gums with a tincture made with peppermint and clove oils. These oils both soak into the gum tissue to relieve pain by numbing the nerve endings. The tincture can be repeated every four hours.

In the palm of your hand, use a cotton swab to mix together 6 drops of clove oil and 10 drops of peppermint oil. Use the other end of the swab to apply the oil tincture to your gums.

Do not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes after application. This will give the oils time to fully absorb into the gums surrounding the implant sites.

Along with your prescribed medications, the above home remedy will ease any minor symptoms you may be having. However, if you notice any unusual bleeding or an increase in pain, you may want to contact your dentist, like one at Walden Dentistry, as soon as possible to discuss other options for treatment.

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26 February 2015