Missing teeth can make it difficult for you to feel confident in your smile. Taking photos with friends, spending time with family, and going on dates can become a source of anxiety. Fortunately, there is a range of tooth replacement options available, including dental implants. These titanium posts are inserted directly into the jawbone where they fuse with it through a process called osseointegration. This makes them incredibly stable and the only permanent solution to missing teeth. If you decided to get dental implant surgery, there are several things that you’ll need to avoid afterward to ensure that you heal correctly. Read on to learn about five things you shouldn’t do after having implants placed.
#1: Don’t Skip Resting
Resting after getting dental implants is key to making sure your mouth heals properly. If you engage in any strenuous activities like intense workouts, this can cause your blood pressure to go up, which may make you begin to bleed at the surgical site. Most patients should give themselves at least a day or two after the procedure to rest and recover, but some may need up to a week.
#2: Don’t Rinse Your Mouth Out Forcefully
Rinsing your mouth out will help keep harmful oral bacteria away from the implant site, but be careful when doing so. If you rinse too forcefully or spit too hard, this can cause irritation. This may also dislodge the blog clot forming around the implant site and cause it to bleed. You can rinse with either plain water, a mixture of eight ounces of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt, nonalcoholic mouthwash, or prescription mouthwash.
#3: Don’t Use a Straw
Much like rinsing or spitting too roughly, the suction created from using a straw after implant surgery may dislodge the blood clot around the implant site. This will raise your risk of infection as well as set you back on the healing process. Refrain from using straws for at least a week after the operation.
#4: Don’t Eat Hard, Crunchy, or Spicy Foods
If you eat foods that are hard, crunchy, or spicy, this can damage the sensitive tissues around your implants and cause them to become inflamed. Start by eating soft, bland foods like applesauce and other mashed or pureed fruits and veggies, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. Start to incorporate harder foods back into your diet as your mouth heals.
#5: Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain
Some soreness and swelling is to be expected after your dental implant surgery, but persistent pain that lasts longer than a few days will require a visit to your dentist. They will be able to determine what’s causing the discomfort and administer the treatment you need.
If you’re interested in getting dental implant surgery, speak with your dentist so they can help you determine if it’s the right option for you. Make sure to avoid these five things to ensure that your new and improved smile continues to look lovely for years to come!
About the Practice
Are you considering dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth? Dr. Robert J. Sanker and his skilled Rockville team are here to help. They offer in-office implant placement for your convenience, which allows you to achieve your dream smile quicker. Do you want to set up an appointment with Dr. Robert J. Sanker or are you interested in learning more about dental implant surgery? Visit his website or call his office at (301) 468-5566 to get started.