Dental implants have transformed the way in which dentists can restore your smile. Whilst they are extremely successful, providing the right aftercare for your dental implants is a very important part of the process. This is because what you do after receiving your dental implants will have an impact on whether you experience any complications after your procedure and the longevity of your new smile.
Immediately after receiving dental implants
The first few days after receiving dental implants are crucial, and proper care and following your dental implant provider’s instructions is essential.
Coping with swelling
It is very normal for your mouth to be swollen and sore after getting dental implants. You may even notice some bruising, and this can last for up to a week. We recommend that you use ice packs to help reduce the inflammation, but place this onto the cheek area rather than directly onto the mouth. After the first 24 hours have passed, switch to heat packs instead.
Pain management
Pain shouldn’t be a big problem after receiving dental implants, although some discomfort isn’t uncommon. Over-the-counter pain relief medications are usually sufficient to keep you comfortable, and you should take these as directed. At no point should the discomfort become unbearable. If it does, you need to see your implant provider.
What to eat and drink
You shouldn’t eat anything at all until the anesthetic has completely worn off as doing so could cause you to accidentally bite and damage the inside of your mouth. During this time, you can drink cold drinks, but anything hot could inadvertently cause you to burn your mouth. Many people choose to stick to soft foods in the first few days as they are more comfortable to eat and less likely to cause damage to your gums and implants. However, within a few days, most people return to eating a fairly normal and balanced diet.
The dental implant process is invasive and so you will need to allow yourself time to heal and recover. Within several weeks you should feel back to normal. In the meantime, if you have any concerns about aftercare for dental implants, you should speak to your provider as soon as possible.
Long-term care for dental implants
If you have invested in dental implants to restore your smile, you will undoubtedly want to keep it in the best possible condition. There are a few things to bear in mind to make this happen.
Firstly, your new teeth must be looked after just like your natural ones. This means brushing and flossing regularly and using fluoride toothpaste. This is essential for helping to prevent gum disease – something which could threaten the longevity of your new implants. In addition, you should visit your dentist or hygienist regularly to ensure that they have no concerns about your oral health.
If you have any questions about recovering from dental implants, or the long-term care your new smile needs, our experienced and knowledgeable dentistry team are on hand to help. Get in touch by contacting our Mankato, MN offices on 507-412-5969.
