Dental implants truly are a modern miracle, giving people a realistic, comfortable way to replace missing teeth. However, after a dental implant surgery, there are several important steps to take to protect your smile. Below are a few do’s and don’ts following implant placement to remember. 

Do: 

Clear your schedule. 

Plan to take a few days off following your dental implant placement. In addition to being groggy from pain medication, some patients also experience swelling and bruising.

To ensure a comfortable healing process, request two or three days off from work and don’t make plans with friends or family. Use the time to relax, heal, and recover from the procedure. 

Take medication on schedule. 

Dental implant surgery is a major oral surgery, so you should be proactive when it comes to taking pain medication and antibiotics. Fill your prescriptions the day before your surgery so you have them ready to go when you get home, and set alarms on your phone or personal alarm clock to take your medicine. Staying on top of medication helps prevent discomfort and infections. 

Don’t: 

Eat hard-to-chew foods. 

Since dental implants will need time to heal following surgery, it’s important to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods. Avoid hard, crispy, or chewy meals following your procedure until your implants have healed, which can take several weeks. Soups, smoothies, oatmeal, and protein drinks are excellent foods to enjoy following the surgery. 

Smoke. 

Smoking can constrict blood vessels in the mouth necessary for healing, which is why many dentists and periodontists ask patients to stop smoking for dental implant surgery. However, if you can’t stop smoking altogether, experts recommend that patients stop smoking at least one week prior to surgery and avoid smoking for one month following the procedure to improve the chances that the implant will survive. 

When you’re ready to transform your smile with the help of dental implants, turn to Ronald W. Ristow, DDS in Oconto Falls, WI. For more than 15 years, this trusted professional has been helping patients with everything from preventative dental cleanings to full smile restorations. Learn more about how they can help by visiting their website or by calling (920) 846-3163.