Getting dental implants can be exciting if you’ve been missing a tooth for several years. Many people look forward to being able to enjoy their favorite foods again and discover a more confident smile. Behind all the excitement, though, most people experience some feelings of nervousness.
It’s normal to be apprehensive about the recovery process after implant placement, especially since you won’t know for several months if it has been successful. In most cases, osseointegration takes between three and six months. You can help ensure a successful recovery by following these tips.
Reasons Patients Choose Dental Implants
People choose to invest in dental implants for several reasons, but most boil down to a desire to improve the function and appearance of teeth. Dental implants are the best option for replacing multiple teeth lost due to oral injuries, tooth decay, or gum disease.
What to Expect During Recovery After Dental Implants
Getting dental implants is a surgical procedure that requires post-operative care. You will experience some discomfort and possibly swelling, but these are part of the healing and integration process.
The first 24 hours post-treatment are especially crucial. You are most vulnerable to an infection at this time. Your dentist will give you detailed instructions on caring for your implant site.
Tips for Managing Your Dental Implant Healing Process
Recovery time varies for every patient. Assuming you experience no complications, it could take as little as a few days. However, these tips will help get you on the way toward a swift recovery.
Use Ice Packs
Swelling after an implant is normal but minimal. An ice pack is an easy way to combat this and relieve pain. Wrap it in a towel before touching it to your face to prevent damage.
Use an ice pack for approximately 20 minutes and then remove it for 20. Repeat this process to minimize discomfort. Leaving the ice pack on for too long can cause an ice burn.
Alter Your Diet
After getting a dental implant, your diet will change for a few days. You should stick to soft foods for the first 48 hours and avoid spicy or hot foods. These can irritate the surgical site and cause bleeding.
You’ll want to focus on nutritious foods that are easy to eat and require minimal chewing. Moving your jaw can irritate the site. As the incision heals, you can slowly add foods that require minimal chewing.
Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration is a crucial part of daily life, but its importance increases when you’ve had dental implants. When you stay hydrated, it flushes out toxins that could hinder your recovery process.
It also helps keep your energy up and your body feeling good.
Along with drinking water, it’s best to avoid foods and beverages with high caffeine and alcohol. Both substances dehydrate the body. Alcohol also interferes with the healing process, and you should avoid it for at least two weeks post-surgery.
Rinse With Salt Water
A salt water rinse is recommended after most oral surgery procedures. The saltwater decreases the bacteria accumulating in your mouth and doesn’t irritate the incision. Create your salt rinse at home by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water.
After the salt dissolves, gently swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This rinse can be done up to four times daily, but always follow your dentist’s instructions.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is hazardous to your oral health, regardless of whether you have an implant. However, smoking after implant surgery can impact the procedure’s success. For example, nicotine restricts oxygen flow, including to your bones and oral structures. Without adequate oxygen, your body takes longer to heal.
Don’t Use a Straw
One of the post-operative instructions that surprises most patients is that they can’t use a straw. The sucking motion could disrupt the wound and delay your recovery.
Limit Physical Activity
Exercise is good, but it can be harmful to your dental implant. Rigorous activities can cause the titanium post to be knocked out or dislodged.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Though implants are fake teeth, they still need a home hygiene routine. It may vary slightly throughout the recovery process, but keeping your mouth as clean as possible is important. This will reduce your chances of developing an infection around the implant site.
Best Results for Dental Implants
Are you considering dental implants but want to know more about the process? Contact Dr. Brett Langston. Schedule an evaluation, and we’ll discuss your personal health concerns and see whether implants are right for you.