Things To Do After Undergoing A Dental Implant Procedure
One effective way to replace diseased, damaged, or missing teeth is to undergo dental implant surgery. Dental implants usually look and work like natural teeth, but they are resistant to decay and biocompatible.
With all these benefits, the idea of going through the procedure may seem daunting, but you don't have to worry if you have found a seasoned restorative dentist. Besides, you can familiarize yourself with the aftercare tips to have an easier time and ensure your implants heal fast. Some of these tips are outlined below.
Avoid Excessive Rinsing
Once the procedure is complete and you get home, you might be tempted to rinse your mouth regularly. But, rinsing your mouth excessively can disturb the implant and cause bleeding. This will affect the healing processes significantly.
Dentists recommend that you don't rinse your mouth vigorously for a few days. And when cleaning the teeth, be sure to swish the salty water or mouthwash gently and allow the liquid to flow out gradually over a sink.
Consume Soft Foods
Your body requires certain vitamins to heal, so you'll still need to eat healthy after the dental implant surgery. However, you will focus on drinks and soft foods rich in vitamins instead of hard foods. This is the best time to try some new soft diet recipes like soups and vegetables.
You are required to eat a balanced diet and stay away from foods that increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Some food options you can consider to speed up recovery include yogurt, low-sodium soup, mashed potatoes, or other foods that are high in vitamin A and C.
Make Sure You Rest
After surgery, you are expected to get plenty of rest. This starts immediately after getting home. You should lie on your back and ensure pillows adequately support your head as you rest. This way, adequate blood will flow to your head to minimize swelling in your face and mouth and prevent excessive bleeding.
Don't forget to take the pain medication your dentist prescribes to alleviate the pain and discomfort experienced during the first days.
Avoid Your Old Habits
If you like to smoke, use tobacco, take alcohol or neglect your oral health, you will need to make a few adjustments to avoid complications as you recover. Try to eliminate these bad habits throughout the recovery period. If you indulge in any of these vices, the implant's healing process will be affected, and you might have to redo the surgery or forget about replacing the tooth.