If you've recently had dental implant surgery, you have to give your body time to recover. Taking good care of yourself will speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. Here are some tips for successfully recovering from dental implant surgery.
Stick to Soft Foods
After dental implant surgery, your mouth will feel quite sore. That's why you should stick to soft foods, like yogurt and mashed potatoes, for at least a week or so. These foods go down easily and won't get stuck in your sutures. You will want to talk to your dentist before you go back to eating harder foods.
Don't Smoke
If you are a smoker, you will want to put down the cigarette during your recovery period. Smoking can hinder the healing process and even increase the risk of implant failure. If possible, try to give up the habit for good to improve your overall health.
Take It Easy
It is best to avoid strenuous activities for at least the first few days following your dental implant surgery. This way, you will give your implants a chance to heal and prevent them from dislodging. Get plenty of rest and ease into exercise.
Take Your Medication as Directed
It is common to experience some soreness after dental implant surgery, so your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication. Take the medication exactly as directed to reduce your discomfort. If you wait to take the medication when you start hurting, it may be too late.
Keep the Area Clean
Maintaining a clean surgical area is crucial for speeding up the healing process and preventing infection. Rinse your mouth with salt water a few times a day to keep the area as clean as possible.
Don't Drink Through a Straw
While using a straw might seem harmless, it can actually be harmful during the recovery process. The suction from the straw can harm the wound and hinder the recovery process.
Use Ice Packs
If you are experiencing swelling after your dental implant surgery, ice packs may be able to help. Just place the ice pack on the affected side of your mouth to help numb the area and reduce any swelling. If the ice pack is too cold, try placing a small towel underneath it.
If you follow these tips, you should have a smooth recovery. If you have additional questions about your dental implants, contact your dentist.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!