If you’re thinking about dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth, you’re making a major move toward enhancing your smile and overall quality of life. Dental implants are designed to look and function like natural teeth, but their long-term success depends on how well you care for them. Read on to learn key dos and don’ts for maintaining your dental implants and keeping them healthy after your procedure.
Do Get Help from a Loved One
Having a family member or close friend to support you during your dental implant recovery can be incredibly helpful. They can provide emotional support, assist with preparing meals, remind you to take your medications as prescribed, and help with other tasks that may be difficult while you’re healing.
Don’t Participate in Strenuous Exercise
It’s a good idea to avoid vigorous physical activity for a few days after your dental implant procedure. This short break helps your body focus on healing and reduces the risk of excessive bleeding and swelling. As you start to feel better, you can gradually resume your normal exercise routine.
Do Get Plenty of Rest
To help reduce swelling and bleeding after your dental implant procedure, try lying on your back with your head elevated. Use pillows to keep your head supported and maintain good blood flow, which can help minimize facial and oral swelling and control bleeding.
Don’t Consume Hot Foods or Drinks
For the first few hours after your implant placement, avoid eating or drinking hot foods and beverages. Pain relievers and numbing agents can make your mouth more sensitive, increasing the risk of burns from consuming hot liquids.
Do Eat the Right Foods
To reduce discomfort after your implant surgery, stick to a soft and nutritious diet. Choose foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and smoothies. Drink plenty of water, juice, and broth. Avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods for six to twelve weeks to protect your gums and maintain overall health.
Don’t Smoke
To achieve the best results and minimize the risks of implant failure, infection, and complications during healing, it is strongly recommended to avoid smoking for at least three months before and after your implant procedure.
Do Keep Your Mouth Clean
For a smooth recovery from dental implant surgery, keeping up with oral hygiene is crucial. Begin rinsing your mouth with warm salt water at least three times a day, starting the day after the procedure, especially after meals. Follow your dentist’s instructions for flossing and brushing your gums and teeth.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol for at least the first 24 hours after your implant surgery. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process, make recovery more difficult, and reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics and pain medications.
Do Take Pain Medication
After the local anesthesia wears off, you might feel some mild discomfort and swelling. To manage the pain, be sure to follow your dentist’s advice and take any prescribed medication as directed.
About the Practice
Looking for a reliable family dentist to care for you and your loved ones? The team at Crossroads Family Dentistry is here to help. Committed to providing top-notch care and ensuring your comfort, they specialize in creating beautiful, healthy smiles. They offer a full range of services, including advanced tooth replacement options like dental implants. To learn more about dental implants or to book an appointment, call Crossroads Family Dentistry at (434) 841-1704 or visit their website.