Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore the function and appearance of an incomplete smile. But while this permanent prosthetic solution offers incredible benefits, it still requires sufficient preparation and recovery. Practicing restorative dentistry in Honolulu, HI, the dentists at Kaimuki Dental Group offer a few essential tips to minimize discomfort and maximize healing after your implant procedure. Here, they offer a comprehensive guide to the recovery process.

Do

Take Time to Recover

While you may want to return to normal activities after your procedure, you should expect to experience bleeding, soreness, and swelling the first couple of days after surgery. Taking a few days to rest will allow your body to focus on healing.

Keep Things Clean

Keeping the surgical area clean is essential to facilitating tissue healing and preventing infection. Gentle brushing and salt water rinsing will reduce the presence of bacteria and sterilize the tissue. You can also use gauze to minimize bleeding within the first few days.

Follow Medication Instructions

If your dentist prescribes pain medication, be aware of any warnings, as these drugs may impair your ability to drive or perform other activities. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed to prevent the surgical site from becoming infected.

Don’t

Brush Aggressively

Although it’s important to keep the implant area clean, the surrounding tissue will be sore for some time. Brushing or rinsing with too much force could delay recovery or injure the area.

Rush Back Into a Normal Diet

Soft, nutritious foods are ideal for those recovering from dental implant surgery. While you won’t need to stick to liquids, it’s best to avoid hard, sticky, or rough foods that could cause pain or damage the affected area.

Smoke

If you smoke cigarettes, avoid the activity for a few days, as these products can increase the risk of infection and impair healing. Quitting altogether may be the best option, as smoking could permanently stain your dental implant and increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.

The dental implant recovery process does require patience, but with the right preparation, you can heal within a couple of weeks. By making patient care a priority before, during, and after oral surgery, the dentists at Kaimuki Dental Group are an irreplaceable resource in Honolulu, HI. Specializing in all areas of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, these doctors provide state-of-the-art resources and expert guidance to maximize comfort at every stage of treatment. To learn more about their approach to care, visit this clinic online. If you'd like to schedule a consultation with this friendly Oahu dentist, call (808) 737-7905.