Dental implants are growing in popularity as a way to restore missing teeth because they are strong, are very durable, and help prevent bone loss in the jaw. But the process of inserting dental implants requires oral surgery, so there is a recovery period, especially during the process of inserting the rods into the jaw bone. If you are getting one or more dental implants in the near future, use the following tips during your recovery.
Utilize Ice
After your initial surgery, it will be very beneficial for you to use an ice pack on the area where the implant was inserted. Doing so can help minimize bruising and swelling as well as help with any discomfort that you may feel. Use an ice pack for the first few days until the swelling subsides; you can then use a warm compress to help increase circulation.
Control Bleeding
You may experience some bleeding in the mouth immediately following surgery to insert a dental implant. This is a common side effect, and usually, the bleeding can be controlled by placing a gauze pad over the area and applying light pressure. If you experience excessive bleeding, or if your mouth is still bleeding in the days following surgery, contact your dentist.
Change Your Diet
After your dental implant is inserted, the surrounding bone and gums will need time to heal, and the implant should not be disturbed. During this time, it is best to consume a soft-food diet that does not require a lot of chewing. Items like soups, broths, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, rice, eggs, soft vegetables, and fish are all things that can be consumed while the implant area is healing. It is in your best interest to avoid eating any types of food that are crunchy, chewy, or hard.
Practice Oral Hygiene
As your mouth recovers from the oral surgery involved in inserting your dental implant, oral hygiene will be extremely important. The last thing you want is for the area surrounding the implant to become infected, so be diligent in brushing and flossing your entire mouth regularly. Using mouthwash can also be very helpful in removing germs from the mouth and preventing an infection.
Rest
It is a good idea to rest as much as possible in the days following the surgery to insert your dental implant. Doing so will allow your body to promote healing around the surgical site and can help prevent any complications.
Talk to a dentist such as Aaron G Birch, DDS PC for more information.
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