Dental implants are remarkable prosthetic devices that have replaced countless lost teeth with beautiful and functional restorations that work and look just like the real thing. These appliances enjoy the leverage they need to chew powerfully and last for decades because they are surgically inserted into the patient’s jawbone where they fuse with its structure through the natural process of osseointegration. Since it will be important for you to adhere to your dentist’s aftercare instructions so your implants can heal properly, here’s a quick guide to how you can keep your recovery process smooth and comfortable.
What Should I Avoid After Receiving Dental Implants?
Certain habits can damage new dental implants and compromise their ability to properly fuse with the jawbone. To keep your prosthetic appliance in great shape, keep the following rules in mind:
- Don’t spit or drink through a straw: This will cause shifts of pressure within the mouth that can dislodge the blood clot that will form over the surgical area. If this clot is broken or removed, the vulnerable tissues within it will be exposed to germs and the oral environment, causing a severely painful condition called “dry socket.”
- Abstain from alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are acidic, which can irritate your healing gum tissues, have a dehydrating effect that can hinder your mouth’s natural cleaning process, and can cause inflammation that makes it more difficult to fight infections.
- Abstain from tobacco: Any form of tobacco use will expose your oral tissues to noxious chemicals that make it harder for them to heal.
- Refrain from intense exercise for several days: Intense physical activity after receiving dental implants can make it harder for your gums to heal and fight infection.
- Avoid acidic or tough foods and beverages: Items that are acidic, chewy, crunchy, or sticky can be stressful for your new implant and your healing gum tissues.
How Can I Keep My Healing Process On-Track?
Your dentist will certainly provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that will describe exactly how you can minimize your chances of complications after receiving implants. These will probably include items like:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene: Be sure to brush and floss every day while taking care to be gentle when cleaning around the implant sites.
- Rinsing with warm salt water: This will loosen food debris and ease inflammation.
- Get plenty of rest: This will help your body focus its energies on the postsurgical healing process.
Don’t let tooth loss leave you with a grin you aren’t eager to show off. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to replace your missing pearly whites.
About the Practice
Davis, Boeller & Rife Dental offers the finest oral healthcare in Englewood. Led by Drs. Alan Davis, James Boeller, Deanne Rife, and Shannon Gardner, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To schedule your consultation for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (941) 474-6466.