Getting dental implants is a serious process that requires surgery. To place secure foundations for your new dentures, your dentist will need to drill into your jawbone. Serious procedures such as this will require delicate care during recovery.
Dental implants have many benefits and are one of the most popular dental solutions for teeth replacement. Implants provide a solid foundation for your artificial teeth helping them to function just like your old teeth.
Once your procedure is complete, you will need to follow all the instructions given to you by your dentist. Let’s look at a few of the dos and don’ts of your dental implant aftercare program.
Do’s
Follow All Instructions
You may be a bit groggy from your procedure when you return home. However, it’s essential to put your dental instructions somewhere safe so that you can review them after you have rested. Your dentist will give you a step-by-step guide on how to care for your implants during your recovery.
It’s crucial to the healing process that you follow all of the instructions strictly. Your instruction packet will address any questions or concerns that you may have. It will include after-care measures, including what to do if there is excessive swelling or bleeding, along with when to call your dentist if there is a problem.
Rest
Getting enough rest is crucial to your recovery from dental implant surgery. Your body heals the most when it is at rest. Starting when you return home, you should spend several days laying down in a relaxed position with your head slightly elevated. Propping your head up on a few pillows will help to reduce pain and swelling in the surgical area. It’s a good idea to take a few days off of work to allow you to have enough time to heal.
Proper Diet
Following your dental implant surgery, your mouth and gums will be very sensitive and sore. This may make it difficult to eat all your favorite things. Your information packet will detail what types of foods you should eat and what you should avoid. Try to avoid anything too sugary, spicy, or hard.
Don’ts
Avoid Brushing
When your mouth is sore from your dental implant surgery, you may not feel like brushing your teeth. This is a mistake that many people make. While you will need to be very gentle, it is vital to maintain your oral health habits, including brushing. You don’t want to allow food particles to stay in your mouth where they could result in a bacterial infection.
Drink Or Smoke
Smoking, drinking, or chewing tobacco can result in infection following your dental implant surgery. You should quit smoking or stop until your dentist has cleared your surgical site.
Rush Your Recovery
It’s essential to give your body time to heal properly without rushing yourself. It will take several days for the swelling and soreness to abate and even longer for the site to heal. Rushing back to your regular activities or diet could have devastating effects, including breaking or loosening one of your implants.
Dental implant surgery is a serious procedure that should be treated with care and respect. Follow these tips to help you recover faster and get a beaming smile.
