Dental implants are the next best thing to natural and healthy teeth. They allow you to chew comfortably, prevent the acceleration of bone loss and loss of facial contour–and best of all, they restore your smile and confidence.
During the dental implant procedure, your dentist or specialist will place the dental implant. Following this process, you can expect to experience minimal bleeding, discomfort and swelling of gums and face for a few days. Aftercare then becomes a crucial part of the process. This is when you will take on most of the responsibility of helping your mouth recover.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to speed up the recovery process at home.
Take your medication
Your prescribed medication will help to relieve any discomfort, reduce swelling and minimize the risk of infection. Be sure to read the instructions so that you can take the recommended dosages.
Use ice packs
To control swelling, apply a cold compress to each cheek for 15 minutes at a time. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables.
Watch what you eat and drink
For the next few days, you’ll want to stick to soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt and oatmeal. Hard and crunchy foods, hot liquids and spicy meals will result in greater trauma and derail any progress made.
Also, avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages as these can interfere with your medication and cause adverse effects. Straws are another major deterrent to the healing process as they cause suction that can dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site.
After three or four days, you can gradually return to your usual diet. As much as possible, avoid biting and chewing in the area of the implant until it is fully healed.
Avoid smoking
Here’s another opportunity for you to quit smoking if you are a smoker.
Your body needs oxygen to heal. Smoking halts the healing process by reducing oxygen levels.
Practise proper oral hygiene
Proper oral care is key in the recovery process. It is recommended that you refrain from rinsing hours after the procedure. On the following day, you can begin gently rinsing several times a day with warm salt water, especially after eating. Saltwater rinses can help remove bacteria without irritating the surgical site.
You may also resume gently brushing your teeth, except for the implant, the day following the procedure. Give it another three or four weeks before you brush the surgical site.
Rest
Rest is perhaps the most crucial part of your healing process. The body goes into repair mode when you sleep. The prescribed medication might help you to sleep for a while, as they contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness.
You should skip exercise and other strenuous activities immediately after the dental implant procedure. The more you rest, the quicker you will heal.
Dental implants in Surrey
If you have missing or damaged teeth, dental implants can give you another shot at having a beautiful smile.
At Newton Village Dental Clinic in Surrey, we offer a range of dental restorations, including the restoration of dental implants. Book an appointment with our experienced dentist to find out if dental implants are right for you.
