A dental implant is a superb way to replace a missing tooth or teeth. It’s also one of the best ways to improve your smile. The surgery itself is not difficult, but there are several things you need to know to ensure that your recovery process goes as smoothly as possible. In this post, we will explore the dos and don’ts after having dental implants put in.
Do’s Get enough rest
It is important to get enough rest after having dental implants put in. This means getting at least eight hours of sleep each night and taking naps during the day if needed. Taking it easy will help ensure that your implants heal properly.
Take pain medication as prescribed
If you’ve been prescribed pain medication by your dentist or oral surgeon, be sure to take it as directed. Most people only need to take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen for a day or two after dental implant surgery, but if your pain is a lot, you may need stronger medication. Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable to take your medication – it will be more effective if you take it regularly as prescribed. If you’re unsure about anything, always ask your dentist or oral surgeon for advice.
Eat soft foods and drinks
When you have dental implants, it is important to eat soft foods and drinks for the first few days. This will help your body to heal and will also prevent your implant from becoming irritated. There are a number of things that you should avoid when eating and drinking, however. Here are some tips:
– Avoid hard or crunchy foods. This includes nuts, popcorn, chips, and hard candy.
– Cut your food into small pieces. This will make it easier to chew and will also help to prevent your implant from becoming irritated.
– Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your mouth moist and will also prevent your implant from becoming dry and irritated.
– Use a straw when drinking beverages. This will help to keep the liquid away from your implant site and will also prevent staining of your teeth
Keep your mouth clean
It is paramount to keep your mouth clean after having dental implants put in. This means brushing your teeth at two times a day and flossing once a day. You should also use mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean.
Rinse your mouth with warm salty water
Rinsing your mouth with warm salty water is an effective way to keep your implant clean and free of debris. It is important to do this twice daily, in the morning and evening. Rinse for two minutes each time, using a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt. Spit the rinse out after each use.
Don’ts Avoid Smoking
Smoking significantly increases your risk of implant failure and can cause a number of other problems, such as gum disease. If you smoke, it’s important to quit before getting dental implants. If you can’t quit, you should at least avoid smoking for a few weeks before and after the surgery.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause serious problems for your dental implants. It can weaken the bond between the implant and the bone, and it can also lead to inflammation and infection. Drinking alcohol can also cause pain and discomfort in the implant area.
If you do drink, it’s important to be careful. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, as these can promote tooth decay. Stick to drinks that are low in acidities, such as wine or beer. And be sure to brush your teeth afterward so that the alcohol doesn’t damage your enamel.
Avoid Heavy Lifting
One important thing to avoid is heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. This can put unnecessary stress on your implants and cause them to fail. If you must lift something heavy, make sure you use proper form and technique. Additionally, avoid any exercises that put undue strain on your jaw or teeth. Stick to low-impact activities like walking or swimming for the first few weeks after your implant surgery.
Do not consume hot beverages
It is important to wait at least 24 hours after your dental implant surgery before consuming any hot beverages. This includes coffee, tea, and soup. Hot liquids can cause the surgical area to bleed and can also lead to infection. If you must consume a hot beverage, make sure to let it cool down first.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
One of the primary things to remember after a dental implant is to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as these can damage the implants.
Hard foods such as nuts and raw vegetables can break the implant or loosen it from the jawbone. Crunchy foods such as popcorn can also get caught in the implant, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. Sticky foods such as candy can adhere to the implant and cause tooth decay.
It is best to stick to taking soft foods for the first few weeks after having dental implants fitted. Once your mouth has healed, you can gradually introduce harder foods back into your diet. However, it is paramount to be careful with what you take and avoid anything that could damage your implants.
Don’t consume anything straight after the surgery
Even though it’s tempting to eat or drink after having dental surgery, it’s best to wait until the numbness from the anesthesia has worn off. This usually takes a few hours. Once the numbness is gone, you can resume your normal diet. But be careful not to bite your tongue or cheek since they may be sore.
Bottom Line
We hope this article has been informative and helpful in understanding what to do and not do after getting dental implants. Following these simple guidelines will help ensure that your implants last for many years to come. If you have any questions or even concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Bayswater Dentist.