Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement system that can restore a healthy smile, boost self-confidence, and improve overall quality of life. The healing process after surgery can be intimidating, so implant dentists want to reassure patients that the road to a full recovery is more manageable than they might believe.
Here are several expert tips for healing your dental implants safely and effectively along with the steps you can take to recover quickly to enjoy your beautiful new teeth and enhanced smile.
Tip #1: Use Cold Compresses Often Following Surgery
Discomfort and swelling are very common after oral surgery. During the first 24-hours following your procedure, apply soft ice packs often. Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, taking a 15-20 minute break in between. Switch sides every 20 minutes if necessary.
Tip #2: Avoid Using Tobacco Products
Tobacco use impairs healing and increases the chance of implant failure. It also reduces the flow of blood to the affected area and slows the healing of the gums and bone.
Tip #3: Eat Soft Foods
Eating a primarily liquid diet during the first days following surgery is strongly advised. Avoid anything too warm or too cold, which may trigger pain and sensitivity in the surgical areas. Suggested soft foods include:
- Smooth soups
- Protein drinks
- Smoothies
- Juices
As your gums heal, you can gradually add a variety of soft foods such as scrambled eggs, mashed potato, sweet potato, cooked greens like kale, and tender cooked meats. Everyone heals at a different rate so your dentist can advise on which foods are appropriate and best for your individual healing plan.
Tip #4: Avoid Crunchy, Hard, or Spicy Foods
These foods can irritate the tender gums and become caught in surgical sites. Eating crunchy or spicy food too soon after oral surgery can be irritating and ultimately very uncomfortable. Wait until your gums have healed before enjoying these types of food again.
Tip #5: Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Follow your dentist's detailed post-operative instructions to ensure the best care for your new dental implants. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times daily to help facilitate healing while minimizing discomfort.
Tip #6: Avoid Physical Strain
Avoid vigorous activity for at least a week after dental implant surgery. Exercise increases blood pressure and may exacerbate bleeding, swelling, and pain.
Tip #7: Eat and Maintain a Healthy Diet
A well balanced diet provides the nutrition you need to heal. Make sure you consume enough protein, calcium, and vitamins to keep up your strength.
Tip #8: Attend All Follow-Up Visits
Keep each and every follow-up appointment so your implant dentist can closely monitor your progress and ensure you are healing is right on track.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How often do dental implants succeed?
Dental implants have a strong success rate of approximately 90 to 95 percent of the time in healthy patients who follow all of their practitioner's instructions.
Why is an implant better than a bridge?
A dental implant replaces the crown of the tooth and the root system. It keeps your gums and jawbone healthy and your other teeth correctly positioned.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Dental implants can greatly improve your quality of life if you have one or more missing teeth. The first step in learning more about dental implants is an evaluation with a dental implant specialist. Dr. Donald Miller of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry in Fairfield, CT can evaluate the current condition of your jaw bone to determine if it is ready to support an implant. From there, we can either make an appointment for dental implant placement or discuss the alternative options for tooth replacement.
If you would like to learn more about this treatment, including whether or not you are a candidate, the team at Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry can help. Contact us today at 203-255-6878. Or, book an appointment online.
Dr. Miller specializes in implant, general, family, and cosmetic dentistry and is an active member of the Fairfield, CT community. He has practiced dentistry in Fairfield for over 25 years. Get to know Dr. Miller better by visiting our website. You can also read Google Reviews submitted by patients for a personal recommendation.
Other popular services provided by the practice include TMJ treatment, Same Day Crowns,Veneers, and Teeth Whitening.