Oral Surgery Recovery Tips from an Implant Dentist

Implant DentistIf you need to replace a missing tooth, visit an implant dentist.  Dental implants are an ideal way to replace your tooth because they provide a durable and sturdy solution that is just as strong as a natural tooth would be. Unlike other options, implants allow you to maintain an active lifestyle and eat all of your favorite foods without worrying about your tooth becoming damaged or loose.

This procedure has a surgical element because the dentist implants a metal post under the surface of your gums and attaches it to the jawbone.  This is what makes implants so strong.  Over the course of several months, the two elements will fuse together during a process called osseointegration.  Once they merge, a new root system will have been created that is as strong as a natural one only better because metal cannot become infected.

After the implant dentist has placed the metal posts under your gums, there will be a recovery period and it is important to take these steps to ensure that your gums heal quickly and that there are no complications.  Anything that could move the posts out of place could create a problem and delay the completion of the procedure.

What you can eat

It is important that you stick with soft foods.  Before your surgery buy yogurt, apple sauce, Jell-O, oatmeal, rice, and other foods that you can eat without causing trauma to your gums.  Make sure to avoid anything that could have crumbs as these little pieces could become stuck in the small areas of your gums, teeth, and the surgical site.  Soft foods should be eaten for at least a week, and we will give you more specific instructions at your follow up appointment about what is safe to eat during the remaining healing process.

Activity

After the implant dentist has placed the posts, it is important to avoid strenuous physical activity.  Once your gums have healed, you can go back to being incredibly active but at first you need to be careful.  Avoid running and playing sports while your gums are healing.  Instead, try walking or doing something gentle, like yoga.

Sleep and rest

After any surgery or major procedure, you need to give your body plenty of rest so that it can focus on the healing process.  The more you run around, the less energy your body will have to focus on healing your gums.  Take a few days off work and stock up on the movie rentals for some quiet time and relaxation.

Things to avoid

Don't smoke or use tobacco products after your procedure.  This is extremely important as they could lead to an infection.  You should also avoid sticky and sugary foods and candies.  Don't drink alcohol since it will limit your body's ability to heal itself.

If you are a diabetic, make sure to tell your implant dentist before the procedure takes place.  There are additional care steps that a diabetic must take before and after the procedure to ensure a fast recovery time and blood sugar levels must be kept under control.

Related Posts

Choosing The Right Implant Dentist

The implant dentist you choose can have a major impact on your overall experience and the long-term results of your dental implant procedure. Every implant dentist has a unique process and a different experience level and finding one that meets your specific needs and preferences can help make the process much more convenient.By putting in…

An Experienced Implant Dentist Answers FAQs

An Experienced Implant Dentist has the answers to all of your questions if you are currently considering dental implants. These oral restorations have emerged as a popular way to replace missing teeth thanks to their ability to preserve jawbone tissue and their low maintenance requirements.Here are some of the more popular questions people who are…

How To Care For Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. To maximize their effectiveness, patients should learn how to care for them. These appliances are used to enhance the appearance of the smile by covering flaws, such as broken, discolored, chipped, or gapped teeth. With proper care, such…

Can I Get Veneers If I Have Gum Disease?

As cosmetic dentistry options that can fix the look of damaged or stained teeth, dental veneers can help restore the smile of patients with gum disease. Many are able to get this treatment when the disease is under control. However, gingivitis or periodontitis is different for every patient. One patient may have a disease that…


Related Posts

How To Care For Dental Veneers

How To Care For Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. To maximize their effectiveness, patients should learn how to care for them. These appliances are used to enhance the appearance of the smile by covering flaws, such as broken, discolored, chipped, or gapped teeth. With proper care, such…

Can I Get Veneers If I Have Gum Disease?

Can I Get Veneers If I Have Gum Disease?

As cosmetic dentistry options that can fix the look of damaged or stained teeth, dental veneers can help restore the smile of patients with gum disease. Many are able to get this treatment when the disease is under control. However, gingivitis or periodontitis is different for every patient. One patient may have a disease that…