What Patients Should Know About Dental Implant Surgery Recovery
People who are missing a tooth or multiple teeth know that they can come to our practice for optimal treatment. We look into all potential avenues for care, and it's this focus on effectiveness and versatility that makes us one of the leading dental care practices in the greater Philadelphia area.
In many cases of tooth loss, the use of dental implants is a great option to consider. We can help craft and place custom dental implant restorations that look completely natural. Since oral surgery is part of this process, we wanted to consider some basics of surgical recovery that patients should know.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue. These implants are able to support dental crowns, dental bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures when a person is missing teeth. The best part about dental implants is that they provide a stable hold comparable to natural tooth roots.
Dealing with Early Pain and Discomfort
In the first few days after the oral surgery, pain and discomfort is not uncommon. Thankfully the soreness abates rather fast, relatively speaking. If you have issues with serious pain and discomfort following oral surgery, you can take pain relievers as directed by your oral surgeon. Cold compresses/ice packs can also be helpful to address pain and facial swelling.
Temporary Changes In Your Diet
In the first days or even week or two after oral surgery, it's a good idea to modify your diet to avoid discomfort and irritation. Try to eat foods that are soft or easy to chew. Foods you consume should be lukewarm or room temperature rather than hot or cold to avoid issues with sensitivity. In addition, it's a typically good idea to avoid spicy foods since these can irritate the incision site.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Cigarettes and tobacco products in general have a negative impact on overall recovery. They can make people more prone to infection, and they can lead to extended wound healing. Because of this, it's important that patients avoid smoking and all tobacco products in the weeks prior to oral surgery and for at least a few weeks after the oral surgery. It's most ideal to avoid tobacco products altogether.
Avoid Drinking Straws
Drinking straws may seem innocuous, but they can actually do some harm as you're healing. When you use a drinking straw, the vacuum creating from suction can dislodge blood clots and undo sutures and stitches. Be sure to avoid the use of drinking straws until your oral surgeon or dentist says you are ready.
Proper Oral Hygiene
After oral surgery, patients should continue to brush and floss as they usually did, though there are often special instructions for the proper cleaning of the implant post and the area around it. Be sure to follow these instructions to the letter to ensure optimal healing and wellness.
The Importance of Osseointegration
Osseointegration is a process in which the dental implants fuse with the living tissues of the mouth. This allows the implants to function just like natural tooth roots. It will take a few months for osseointegration to occur after your oral surgery, and your oral surgeon and dentist can monitor the progress of this process during your follow-up visits.
Only when osseointegration is complete will your dental implants be able to support restorations and appliances safely.
Contact Artistic Expressions Dentistry
For more information about implant dentistry and how it can help you have a healthy smile, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The team at Artistic Expressions Dentistry is here to help you smile with confidence.
