If you’re missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental implant. This common procedure restores the integrity of your smile by replacing the missing teeth with artificial substitutes that look and work the same. If you elect to have the procedure, here’s what to do and avoid during the recovery period.

Do:

Eat soft foods only.

Facilitate recovery by consuming only soft foods for at least the first two to four weeks. You’ll heal more effectively and minimize the chances of a complication.

Also, avoid alcohol and anything that’s too hot. Both can aggravate the surgical sites.

Treat the swelling gently.

Expect to experience a bit of swelling after you get dental implants. If your dentist performed a bone graft to create a more stable support for the implant, then you may have considerable swelling after the procedure. It may not occur right away but should subside within a week of surgery.

To minimize discomfort, apply ice to the affected area on and off for the first 24 hours following the procedure. Your dentist may also recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers and elevating your head to reduce blood circulation in the area.

Don’t:

Be alarmed by bleeding.

It’s normal for a small amount of blood to occur at the surgical site. Your dentist will speak with you about this before the procedure and place some gauze in each treated area to soak up any fluids. Leave these in place, and gently bite down to minimize the bleeding. Avoid spitting or rinsing, which can dislodge the blood clots.

Neglect your oral hygiene.

Now more than ever, it’s important to practice regular oral hygiene. Begin to brush your teeth as soon as you can comfortably open your mouth wide enough; usually, this is possible within a day of the procedure.

In the meantime, your dentist may advise you to rinse with saltwater to minimize infection and speed up the healing process. Unless otherwise instructed, avoid using mouthwash since it may contain alcohol.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, visit Kaimuki Dental Group in Honolulu. Offering a variety of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services, their six dentists and staff are committed to your oral health and hygiene. Visit the website to find out more about their services, or call (808) 737-7905 to schedule an appointment.