The Recovery Process After Getting Dental Implants

Like other types of dental work, dental implants require some adjustment before you are used to them. Because this is an invasive surgery, you also must take time to recover. Different patients react in different ways to the surgery. However, if you follow the dentist’s directions and take care of yourself, you can feel well within a couple of days. You can then enjoy the benefits that implants offer. Implants are a good solution for your oral health and appearance.

Why dental implants are a popular treatment for missing teeth

It is not uncommon for people to suffer injuries to their teeth. Chips, cracks, and fractures can occur due to an injury or a hard blow to the face. Poor oral hygiene can also cause tooth decay, leading to damage and other serious problems. When a tooth must be removed, or if it falls out, dental implants are a viable replacement option. People love implants because they are durable and can last for decades. Implants restore the mouth’s function and complete the person’s smile once more.

Questions about eating

Because getting dental implants involves an invasive process, the patient will feel some soreness, pain, and irritation at the surgical site. While people can eat immediately after getting implants, patients should avoid hot food as well as hard or crunchy items. For the first 24 hours, the recovering patient should focus on eating soft foods and those that require little or no chewing. It should gradually become less difficult and uncomfortable to eat foods such as meat, bread, and other favorites.

Rest and relaxation

Patients can resume normal activities soon after getting dental implants. However, for the first day or two after the procedure, the individual should not do anything strenuous. Instead, the person should lie down with the head elevated. Avoid going to work or school for the first few days after the procedure.

Mouth care

There will be some swelling in the surgical area, so applying ice is critical. For the first 48 hours after getting dental implants, the patient should put an ice pack on their face for 20 minutes at a time. If the swelling does not go down all the way after two days, the patient can continue with ice treatment. Call the dentist if there is no improvement.

Oral hygiene

Keeping up with regular brushing and flossing is vital for a person with dental implants. However, the patient should not brush the implants for the first three or four weeks after surgery. Two days after the procedure, the patient should start to rinse their mouth with salt water several times a day for two weeks. Make sure to tell the dentist if there is moderate to severe bleeding or excessive pain during these activities.

Take care of yourself and recover well

You can take comfort to know that your dentist has the knowledge and training to repair your smile. Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth and help you feel good about the way you look again. Recovering from the surgery can be challenging. But if you follow these guidelines, your recovery can be a success.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.

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