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If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you’ll require oral surgery. A titanium post must be surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as a new root. It will provide a stable foundation for your restoration, which is attached using an abutment. You can expect a brief recovery after your procedure. Proper healing is essential for ensuring the success of your new smile. Here are the top do’s and don’ts to follow after your implant placement surgery.
Do’s of Dental Implant Surgery Recovery
Your mouth will be healed on the surface in a couple of weeks. However, it will take a few months for your jaw to integrate with the post through a process called osseointegration. Here’s what you should do to promote a quick recovery:
- Prepare for Your Recovery: Plan for your recovery by preparing a few meals and relaxing activities, so you have less to worry about when you get home.
- Follow Your Aftercare Instructions: You can expect your mouth to be sore for a few days. You can manage the discomfort with a prescribed or over-the-counter pain reliever. Applying a cold compress can reduce discomfort and minimize swelling and bruising.
- Get Plenty of Rest: You’ll need to rest for 24 hours after your procedure to allow the effects of any medications to wear off. You’ll also need to avoid strenuous activities for at least 1-2 weeks.
- Follow Your Diet Instructions: Your implant dentist will instruct you to stick to a liquid diet for the first week or two. You’ll need to eat soft foods for several weeks to allow your jaw to fuse to your implant post.
- Keep Your Mouth Clean: Follow your oral hygiene routine laid out by your dentist to keep your mouth clean. Be careful when cleaning near the implant sites.
Don’ts of Dental Implant Surgery Recovery
Simple mistakes can lead to delays in your treatment process and increase your risk of failure. Here are the top things you don’t want to do during your recovery:
- Don’t Smoke: Tobacco affects the immune system, which can lead to delayed healing and infections.
- Don’t Drink Alcohol: Alcohol can increase your risk of healing complications and infections.
- Don’t Exercise: Strenuous exercise increases blood flow to the healing tissues, which can increase your risk of bleeding and discomfort.
- Don’t Eat Hard or Sticky Foods: Eating hard or sticky foods can put too much pressure on your dental implants, causing integration to fail.
- Don’t Consume Hot Foods or Drinks: It can take a few hours for any numbing medications to dissipate, which can cause accidental burns.
In no time at all, your bone will integrate with your implant. You’ll be ready for the next step in your journey to a complete smile.
About Dr. Karina Aloian
Dr. Aloian earned her dental degree at Midwestern University and has regularly continued her education to provide up-to-date services, like Invisalign and laser dentistry. She is affiliated with the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment online or call (215) 798-7778.