THE DOS AND DON’TS WHEN CONSIDERING DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

There are multiple benefits of dental implants over other conventional teeth replacement options. Patients who are considering dental implants do so because they understand that implants are designed to look, feel and function more like their natural teeth. However, maintaining your dental implants is critical to ensuring you get the maximum value and results of your implants in the long run. We advise you carefully consider these dos and don’ts after your dental implant procedure.

Do: Take Time to Heal After Surgery

Any surgical procedure requires enough healing time in order to maximize the results. Be aware of what your body is telling you and do take time off from work or strenuous activities if you feel like it’s needed. While healing time for each patient varies, we advise taking it easy for the first week and practice good oral hygiene.

Do: Eat Well and Proportionately

Now that your implants are placed, they’ll require a little time to adjust and connect to your gum tissue. This means avoiding food that will put more pressure on your new implants that will cause more pain and potentially longer healing time. Do opt for softer textured foods such as yogurt, soup, pureed fruits and vegetables and cottage cheese.

Do: Try and Quit Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

We know old habits are hard to break, however, smoking or chewing tobacco does increase your risk for infection. In some sever cases, it would require the implants to be removed. Additionally, patients who smoke regularly increase their chances of developing gum disease and mouth cancer, making them less of a candidate for dental implants due to the decrease in bone mass which is required to hold the implants in place.

Don’t: Neglect Good Oral Hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene is the golden rule to preserving and maintaining your natural teeth. The same applies to your dental implants. In addition to following the prescribed plan from your dental implant specialist, don’t skip out on brushing or flossing your teeth once you’re able to go back to a normal routine. This will minimize plaque buildup and other issues that will affect the function of your implants in the long run.

Don’t: Wait to Communicate with your Dentist

While your dentist would have scheduled your next visit after surgery, don’t wait until that visit to discuss any issues you may be experiencing. The sooner you connect, the sooner the issue can be resolved so you can have a smoother and healthier recovery.