Getting dental implants can make you feel both excited and scared. Many people who choose dental implants are thrilled at the possibility of being able to eat their favorite foods again while also having a beautiful smile. At the same time, it’s natural to be anxious about the recuperation period following surgery. Especially since, in order to be successful, dental implants must osseointegrate, or merge with the surrounding bone.
To speed up your recovery from dental implant surgery, you’ll need to avoid certain foods and drinks, as well as certain activities. Follow your oral surgeon’s advice, which will include how to reduce swelling and what medications to take. To allow your wound to heal as quickly as possible, keep any disturbances to a minimum.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
Unfortunately, dental surgery might cause considerable discomfort in the days following the procedure. Minor bruising and swelling of the mouth and face are to be expected. Each patient’s recovery time is unique. If there are no issues, a few days may be all that is required. If you’re unlucky and require a bone transplant – which is utilized when the jawbone isn’t strong enough to retain the implant – your recovery may take a little longer.
According to Web MD, 98% of dental implant surgeries are successful, and many patients find that with good hygiene and care, they can endure for a long time, possibly even a lifetime.
Osseointegration takes roughly 3-6 months in most situations. This amount of time may frighten some individuals, however, recovering following dental implant surgery is not as difficult as many people believe. At Eagle Rock Dental Rexburg, we list down all the recommendations to help you heal faster after dental implant surgery:
Rest
Rest is one of the most effective ways to help your body’s healing process. If you start to feel exhausted or worn down, this is your body’s way of urging you to take it easy, and it’s crucial to pay attention while recovering from dental implant surgery. Your recovery will be prolonged if you push yourself too hard. This is especially critical in the days immediately after surgery, but it’s equally important not to overdo it once you’re feeling better. Even if you start to feel better, it’s best to avoid intense activities and anything that puts you at risk of being hit in the face, as both of these things might raise the risk of postoperative problems.
Stay Hydrated
It’s critical to stay hydrated, especially after getting dental implants. Staying hydrated assists your body to flush out toxins that would otherwise slow down your recuperation. Hydration is also important for staying energized and feeling good. In addition to consuming plenty of water, you should avoid coffee and alcohol, both of which are known to dehydrate the body. Alcohol can slow down the healing process and should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery, preferably until you have fully recovered. You should avoid using a straw for drinking, just as you should avoid using one for smoothies and protein drinks.
Rinse with Salt Water
Following any form of oral surgery, salt water rinses are advised. Salt water rinses are relaxing as well as reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 oz of warm water to make a salt water rinse. Once the salt has dissolved, gently swish the mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Depending on your dentist’s advice, you can do salt water rinses up to four times each day.
Although edema is usually minimal after dental implant surgery, some people will suffer more swelling than others. Using an ice pack to reduce swelling and relieve pain is a simple and efficient method. Wrap the ice pack in a towel before applying it to your face to avoid hurting your skin. You should also only use ice for about 20 minutes before taking a break for another 20 minutes. An ice burn can occur if you leave ice packs on for too long or don’t wrap them in a towel.
Eat Soft and Nutritious Food
Many individuals wonder what they can eat after having dental implant surgery. Hot or spicy meals should be avoided for the first 48 hours following surgery since they can induce bleeding and/or irritate the surgical site. Following that, the basic rule is to eat only soft meals. Because jaw movement can irritate the surgical site, you’ll want to focus on eating foods that need nearly no chewing in the days after surgery. As the incision heals, you can progressively reduce your chewing time, but be sure to follow your dentist’s dietary recommendations.
It’s not only vital to consume soft foods, but it’s also important to eat nutritional foods. After dental implant surgery, giving your body the nutrition it needs helps you heal faster and reduces the risk of complications. Steaming broccoli and other veggies is an excellent way to consume soft, nutrient-dense foods. Smoothies and protein drinks are another approach to ensure that your temporary soft foods diet is nutrient-dense. However, avoid using a straw because suction can irritate the surgery site. Use a spoon instead.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Despite the fact that dental implants are not natural teeth, basic oral hygiene is still required. Your oral hygiene routine may change significantly as you progress through the stages of your recovery, but it is critical that you follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure that your mouth is as clean as possible. This will lessen the possibility of an infection forming near the surgery site.
Avoid Smoking
Even if you haven’t had dental surgery, smoking is harmful to your teeth and overall health. Smoking, on the other hand, can jeopardize your chances of a successful recovery following dental implants. Nicotine, for instance, reduces oxygen supply to your bones and oral tissue. It will take your body longer to mend if you don’t have enough oxygen. Nicotine and tobacco have also been shown to have a deleterious impact on osseointegration, meaning smokers have a higher risk of implant failure than non-smokers. As a result, it is advised that you quit or refrain from smoking during your recuperation period.
Take Pain medications as advised by your dental surgeon
Your surgeon will most likely prescribe pain medicine, which you should use as directed to limit the pain to a minimum.
Make An Appointment for a Follow-up
Three weeks after your implant procedure, your implant provider will most likely want to visit you. If your implant was placed in a two-stage process, the healing torque of the implant will need to be evaluated after this follow-up exam, or the second part of the operation to uncover the implant and insert the healing abutment will need to be performed.
Following the directions given to you by your oral surgeon after any type of dental surgery is critical, since they will provide advice relevant to your procedure.
Contact Eagle Rock Dental Rexburg today to schedule an implant consultation session if you’re ready to enhance your smile with dental implants or for more information on how to recover quickly following dental implant surgery.
