Dental implant surgery is the most effective way to replace missing teeth. It is a safe way to restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Implants are made to look and feel like natural teeth and can last for many years with proper care. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for maintaining your implants, so read on to learn about the dos and don’ts to follow after having them placed.
Do Get Help from a Loved One
It’s helpful to have a family member or close friend with you during your dental implant recovery. They can cook, give you your medication, and help with tasks you can’t do on your own, like cleaning your home or running errands.
Don’t Participate in Strenuous Exercise
Take a break from strenuous exercise for a few days. This will give your body time to heal and avoid further bleeding and swelling. Once you feel better, you can gradually resume your exercise routine.
Do Get Plenty of Rest
This will help reduce swelling and bleeding. Lie on your back, and be sure to keep your head supported by pillows to ensure adequate blood flow to your head. This will help decrease swelling in your face and mouth and can help prevent excess bleeding.
Don’t Consume Hot Foods or Drinks
Avoid hot foods and drinks for a few hours after implant placement. Painkillers and numbing anesthetics can make your mouth more susceptible to burns from hot liquids.
Do Eat the Right Foods
Eat a soft diet that’s high in vitamins and nutrients. Soft foods are easier to chew and swallow after implant surgery, and they will help reduce swelling and discomfort. Some soft food options include mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and smoothies.
Drink plenty of fluids, like water, juice, and broth. Avoid foods that raise your cholesterol or blood pressure. Additionally, avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods for six to twelve weeks since they may harm your gums.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking after dental implant surgery can increase your risk of failure and infection. It can also disrupt the healing process. It is highly recommended to abstain from smoking for three months or more before getting dental implant surgery and three months after your surgery.
Do Keep Your Mouth Clean
Oral hygiene is essential to successful dental implant recovery. On the second day after surgery, rinse with a mixture of warm water and salt at least three times. This is particularly important after eating, as it will help to remove leftover food particles. Your dentist will likely also advise you on how often to gently brush and floss your teeth and gums.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Abstain from drinking alcohol for the first 24 hours after implant surgery. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process, make it more difficult to recover properly, and hinder the effectiveness of antibiotic and pain relief medications.
Do Take Pain Medication
Although you may be numb from local anesthesia, you may experience mild discomfort and swelling as it wears off. To help manage the pain, take any pain medication prescribed by your dentist as directed.
About the Practice
BridgeMill Dental Care, led by Drs. James Candon and Daniel Carver, is an Indian Land-based dental practice that is dedicated to providing top-notch dental care. They offer a variety of dental services, including tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, to help patients restore their smiles. Visit BridgeMill Dental Care’s website or call their office at (803) 650-3925 for more information on dental implants or to make an appointment with Dr. Candon or Dr. Carver