Dental implants are considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, and for several good reasons. But most notably, it’s due to their unique ability to replace the entire structure of lost teeth! That said, in order to do this, the implants must heal properly—meaning that if you’re about to undergo this process, you have your work cut out for you! That said, you don’t have to feel worried about compromising your recovery at every corner; by knowing what to do and what not to do, you can ensure a smooth healing period and incredible results that will serve you well for decades. Keep reading to learn more!
What You Shouldn’t Do Following Dental Implant Surgery
Here are a few things that are ill-advised during the dental implant recovery process:
· Smoking – Tobacco is notoriously bad for one’s oral health, and it can also decrease the body’s healing factor. You shouldn’t smoke at all during the recovery period following dental implant surgery, and if you care about the longevity of your restorations, you might want to quit for good.
· Intense Exercise – Intense physical activity can increase the body’s blood flow and lead to bleeding around the dental implant area(s).
· Hard or Hot Foods – Particularly hard or hot items can affect the healing process, and any foods you chew should be chewed carefully on the opposite side of your mouth from the implant(s).
· Drinking with a Straw – When you drink through a straw, you’re creating suction within your mouth that can potentially damage or dislodge the regenerative blood clot(s) that form over your surgical site(s) and assist with healing.
How to Correctly Handle the Post-Op Phase
Keep these tips in mind while recovering from dental implant surgery in order to avoid fewer complications:
· Soft Foods Diet – It’s recommended that you stick to eating soft foods for the first few days following your procedure; options like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, protein shakes, and more are all excellent options.
· Tend To Your Discomfort – It’s normal to experience swelling, slight bruising, and some discomfort following your procedure, so you should be sure to utilize cold compresses, take pain relievers as prescribed, and get plenty of rest.
· Trust Your Dentist – Your dentist is a valuable ally throughout the healing process, and you should follow any other specific instructions that they give you and reach out if you’re experiencing complications, such as extreme pain, swelling, or fever.
About the Practice
The team at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery has proudly served patients in Burke, Reston, and Alexandria for several years, offering an impressive range of restorative dental treatment options capable of fully rebuilding compromised smiles. They’re pleased to offer dental implants and are partnered with some of the best teams in the area, ensuring a smooth and streamlined process! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with their team to set up a consultation, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call today to find the office closest to you. Burke Office: (571) 496-8666.