Dental Implant Recovery

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and they look and feel as natural as real teeth. There are many steps to take post recovery to ensure a quick healing process.

Bleeding

• It is normal to experience a little post surgical bleeding at the surgery site. Use gauze to staunch the blood flow. If bleeding becomes excessive, let your oral surgeon know right away.

Ice

• Use an ice pack, cold compress or a bag of frozen vegetables over the jaw to reduce swelling. Do this three times a day, for three days, until the swelling dwindles.

Soft foods diet

• Within the first week post surgery, a diet with mostly liquid and soft foods is needed to avoid aggravating the implanted area. Foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, water and fruit smoothies are healthy and they won't hurt the implanted teeth.

Infection

• It is unusual, yet possible, to get an infection after dental implant surgery. Notify your oral surgeon immediately if this happens so he can prescribe antibiotics.

Maintenance

• Proper maintenance post surgery will speed healing. This includes proper hygiene to care for the implants, such as the use of special floss, brushes and rinses. Regular visits to your oral surgeon will prevent any possible anomalies with the implants and keep teeth healthy. Remember that smoking and consuming very hard foods can hurt the implanted teeth.