Have you made the choice to replace your missing teeth with dental implants in New Braunfels? You are making an excellent investment in your oral health. You will be joining more than 500,000 people this year who are choosing the only tooth replacement option with over a 95% success rate. To complete your smile, you will need to undergo a surgery to place the implant posts. To help promote the recovery process, there are some simple tips to follow to help you heal.
Implant Placement Recovery
The first stage of your treatment will involve surgically placing titanium implant posts into your jawbone. They act as the foundation for your replacement teeth. After they are in place, you will spend the next several months healing to allow your jawbone to fuse to the posts. During this time, it is best to care for your oral health and the implant sites properly to promote a complication-free healing process.
Day of Surgery
Bleeding is normal after your procedure. To help control it, bite on gauze packs for 30-minute intervals for the first hour. As the day progress, the bleeding will subside. If the problem persists beyond 24 hours, reapply the gauze pads and apply ice packs to the outside of your mouth.
Pain, swelling, and bruising can be expected. To help manage your discomfort, pain relievers can be used. You can also apply cold compresses for 20-minute intervals to the outside of your mouth near the surgical site to help with the swelling.
For the first day, it is best to limit your physical activities. Take it easy and rest; however, when standing, do so slowly to avoid becoming light headed. You will also want to limit your diet. Eat soft foods, like soups, to avoid causing irritation to the surgical sites.
You will need to maintain your oral hygiene as well. For the first day, gently rinse your mouth with salt water. It is also best to avoid smoking, which can hinder the healing process.
Implant Placement Recovery
The next few days after the placement of your posts, your pain and discomfort should start to subside. You can also reintroduce brushing and flossing but be careful not to irritate the surgical site. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to further help the healing process.
As your pain improves, you can begin to eat harder foods; however, avoid anything that has sharp edges, like chips or taco shells. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Invest in Your Smile Today
Do not let the thought of surgery deter you from replacing your missing teeth with dental implants. With the right aftercare, you will have a stress-free recovery process to make a long-term investment in your smile.
About Dr. David Earnest
Since 2013, Dr. David Earnest has provided comprehensive dental care to the community. He offers advanced treatments and procedures, including dental implants. If you are ready to treat your tooth loss, he provides the solutions you need. Contact Comal Dental today to see if dental implants are right for you.