Dental implants have become the most popular solution for addressing missing teeth. Opting for implants helps you preserve your natural jawline, protect your jawbone health, and retain your natural chewing functions. You won't have to worry about dentures slipping or a bridge damaging adjoining teeth. The implant process is a significant surgical procedure and it's important to understand the aftercare recommendations. The more attentive you are to that aftercare, the longer your implants are likely to last.
Choose Your Pain Medication Carefully
One of the most common mistakes that people make after dental implant surgery is choosing the wrong medication to manage their pain during recovery. While ibuprofen and other NSAID medications are popular pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, they have been shown to interfere with osseointegration, which is essential for implant success. If the implant cannot adequately integrate with the jawbone, your surgery will not be successful. Instead of NSAID pain relievers, opt for acetaminophen or ask your oral surgeon for a recommendation.
Rinse Carefully
Remember that you will have some bleeding after surgery, typically for a couple of days. Saltwater rinses or disinfectant rinses provided by your oral surgeon can help ease inflammation, but make sure that you rinse gently to avoid dislodging blood clots and causing excess bleeding. You should also avoid any form of suction, including smoking and using straws so that you keep any clots intact.
Make Careful Food Choices
The foods that you eat after your surgery can also affect your recovery and implant success. Opt for liquids and very soft foods until your oral surgeon says otherwise. This provides plenty of time for your implant sites to heal and your gums to recover from the surgery. Make sure that your food choices are not excessively hot, and opt for moderate temperatures in your morning coffee or tea because hot beverages can dissolve blood clots. Your dentist or oral surgeon should provide you with a list of acceptable foods and a timeline to progress for more solid choices. Make sure you follow that recommendation closely.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
During the recovery after your surgery, you are at risk of developing infections if you do not keep your mouth clean and disinfected. Brush your teeth regularly, but be gentle around the implants. Avoid using an electric toothbrush until your dentist says otherwise. Use the mouth rinse provided by your doctor or an antibacterial rinse product as often as possible to protect your implants while they heal.
These are just some of the most important things to consider when it comes to dental implant care after surgery. Find out more about dental implant procedures.
Share29 March 2023
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