Dental implants are the best way to replace lost teeth with beautiful and functional restorations, but their success depends in no small part on how well the patient heals after having them surgically placed. While many patients report that any discomfort during the recovery process is mild and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication, it’s important to take certain measures while healing to prevent serious complications. Here’s what you should avoid doing after surgery to ensure the success of your implants.
Don’t Chew Too Vigorously
After you receive your dental implants, you will need several months for the titanium posts to fuse with your jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration. For the first week after your surgery, it’s best to stick to a diet of soft, mild foods that won’t stress your new implant or irritate the healing gum tissue. A few excellent foods to stock up on before your procedure include:
- Oatmeal
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Potatoes
- Veggies for steaming
- Soup
Acidic or sugary foods can irritate the surgical site and feed harmful oral bacteria. It’s best to avoid candies, sodas, citrus, coffee, and hot sauce until your mouth has had some time to heal.
Don’t Smoke
Tobacco use in any form is utterly terrible for your oral health because nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, dip, and chew, causes the blood vessels in the gums to constrict, which makes it harder for them to heal and fight infections. This effect is especially bad after dental implant surgery because it can interfere with the gums’ ability to rebuild themselves around the titanium posts. It’s best to refrain from using tobacco for several months after receiving dental implants and ideal to quit permanently.
Don’t Use a Straw
Straws are usually excellent ways to minimize how much contact sugary and acidic beverages make with your enamel, but it’s best not to use them for a few days after dental implant surgery. The motion used to draw liquid through a straw causes significant shifts in pressure within the mouth, and the force can be enough to break or dislodge the blood clot protecting the healing surgical area. This can result in a severely painful condition called dry socket, which can lead to infection and compromise your new implant.
Dental implants can be a permanent way to restore your smile after tooth loss. By adhering to your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you can help keep your healing process smooth and complication-free.
About the Practice
Riviera Family Dentistry of Mesquite provides the most excellent oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Le-Anne Ho, Matthew Arnold, and Jay Patel, the staff ensures that each patient receives respect, courtesy, and outstanding customer service in a friendly and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To book your consultation for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (214) 764-0112.