With dental implants, we get a permanent solution to replace our missing tooth or teeth. It can help in returning your smile and functionality of the oral cavity so that you can chew your food just as when you had your natural teeth.
Dental implants are often the most recommended choice for tooth replacement, which is also suggested by the dentists at New Image Dental in Los Angeles. A single tooth implant does not need much modification of the structure of surrounding teeth and is a convenient process performed by the best dentist with expertise in dental implant treatment day in and out at this dental clinic.
The prospect of having all the teeth in our mouth can make us excited. However, with the excitement comes the fear of surgical intervention and post-recovery period that needs to be dealt with very carefully. Also, we have to keep in mind that it takes a while before the dental implant has Osseo-integrated with the surrounding bone before we consider that the implant has been placed successfully.
For some people Osseo-integration can happen in 12 weeks, for others, it can take up to 6 months or even more. You do not need special care throughout this period but are usually required only during the immediate recovery time.
Aftercare tips when healing from a dental implant surgery
- Some bleeding is common immediately after you leave the dental clinic. Keep the soaked gauze in your mouth for as long as possible to minimize bleeding.
- Clot formation is necessary for initial healing and this is why your dentist will ask you to spit out, use straws for sucking in fluid or rinse your mouth for initial 48 hours.
- If your nose feels congested, use a decongestant but avoid blowing your nose for at least 2 weeks post-surgery.
- After the anesthesia wears off, take your painkillers as prescribes even if you don’t feel pain at that moment.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol.
- Eat cold and soft or liquid consistency food such as a milkshake or ice cream. Do not bite on hard waffles or candies.
- Complete your prescription for antibiotics because every surgery carries a risk of post-surgical infection.
- Stiffness and swelling is a normal event in the post-surgical phase and should go away or reduce after a few days.
- To minimize swelling, you can use ice packs on the face for first 48 hours and warm pack post that period.
- It is also advised that you sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first 2 nights.
- Only start rinsing your mouth once 48 hours have passed after the surgery and use warm salted water to do that, 5-6 times every day.
- Follow your tooth brushing routine but spare the surgical site for about 4 weeks. Gentle strokes will prevent any sensitivity.
- Completely stay away from carbonated beverages and food that is abrasive such as popcorn or hard seeds.
Lastly, all the time keep yourself hydrated by taking small sips of plain water. Use ice packs only for a maximum of 20 minutes and only for the first 2 days. Avoid smoking and practice a good oral hygiene routine to protect your oral cavity from future infection and decay.
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