5 Tips for Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery

In terms of solutions to tooth loss, no other option is nearly as sturdy, long-lasting, and generally beneficial as dental implants. Because they fully integrate with your jawbone, they form a powerful foundation for your brand-new teeth. In order to be placed, however, they require that you undergo an oral surgery. The first few days after your implant placement are crucial to their long-term success. Here are a few tips for recovering from dental implant surgery to increase your chances of having a healthy smile that lasts.

1. Take Your Medication

While you shouldn’t experience pain during the surgery itself, your mouth will probably be sore for the next few days. Your dentist should prescribe pain medication to alleviate this discomfort. Take it exactly as instructed on the label.

If you have a certain medical condition, such as diabetes, your dentist might also prescribe a round of antibiotics to prevent infection. Be sure to finish the whole course, even if you feel perfectly fine.

2. Reduce Swelling

Swelling is a common reaction to surgery. It will typically go away on its own after a day or so, but you can use ice to bring it down more quickly. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth for ten minutes on and then ten minutes off for up to an hour. This can also help to minimize pain.

3. Avoid Certain Foods

Following the proper diet is a key part of a successful recovery. For the first few days, don’t eat anything hot or spicy, as it can irritate the surgical site. Also, stay away from alcohol, which can increase pain and swelling and generally delay healing.

Foods with small pieces are also not recommended. Popcorns, chips, and nuts can get trapped in the implant site and cause infection.

In general, stick to a soft food diet for the first week or so. Mashed potatoes, plain yogurt, applesauce, and broth-based soups are all great options.

4. Keep Your Mouth Clean

It’s important to still brush your teeth even after surgery. Just avoid touching the implant site as much as possible.

Rinsing with saltwater helps reduce the risk of infection. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and gently swish it around in your mouth. Repeat this process two or three times a day.

5. Take It Easy

Rigorous exercise can delay healing by diverting blood from the surgical site. Light exercises such as yoga and walking are alright, but heavy strength training can wait a week or so.

Getting dental implants in Mesquite is a great way to improve your smile and oral health. Keep these tips in mind and you should recover in no time at all!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we have a team of general dentists as well as dental specialists to meet all your smile needs in one place, including the placement and restoration of dental implants. We also have 11 convenient locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. To learn more about the process of getting dental implants, visit our website.