Dental Implant Recovery Tips
If you have any questions about our dental implant recovery tips, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Benjamin Johnson and the staff at Acre Wood Dental would be happy to work with you to find the perfect dental solution for you in the Waco, Temple, and Gatesville areas.
If you’re unfamiliar with dental implants, it is natural that you may have questions about them. Implants provide an effective, permanent way to replace your teeth if you are missing them or if they are suffering from extensive damage or decay.
What is the Dental Implant Placement Process?
We’ll begin the process with a complimentary consultation. We’ll go over any of your questions and provide some recommendations based on your unique dental needs.
The implant placement procedure can take a few months or more, but you might consider this restorative dental option an excellent investment for long-term dental functionality and health. We perform the procedure one step at a time, allowing your teeth, gums, and jawbone to recover in between the steps.
We will ensure you are comfortable and ready for the procedure during the first placement step. We will administer anesthesia to maximize your comfort and place the implant rod into your jawbone.
Once your mouth has had time to heal, we’ll attach the connecting piece to hold the final dental crown in place. We will take any impressions necessary to help customize the crown, and we may provide a temporary crown for you to wear until we finalize everything. Once we fit the crown and ensure its comfort and functionality, your new implants are ready for full use.
What Should I Expect After the Implant Procedure?
You may be wondering how much discomfort you will experience with implants. The answer to this question may surprise you. You may experience less discomfort than you think. Many people who have a conventional dental implant have minimal discomfort and can get by with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Others have even returned to work shortly after the procedure. We usually require a tiny incision in the gums for implant placement. But bone lacks nerve endings, which helps us ensure there will be little to no discomfort during the procedure.
You may feel sore after the first day of the procedure, but the discomfort should quickly pass. If the pain persists or worsens, contact our office to schedule a follow-up exam.
What can I do to Help Relieve Discomfort After the Procedure?
Ice the side of your face near where we performed the procedure. You can also take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to help with swelling and discomfort.
What can I eat During the Healing Process?
Most patients should wait at least an hour following any surgery before eating. You can eat something soft such as yogurt or ice cream. Try not to drink with a straw if possible and avoid hot liquids.
Over time you can begin experimenting with firmer foods. Use your best judgment to ensure the least pain and avoid any nausea.
My Implants are Done – Now What?
Maintain a regular cleaning and check-up regimen. Your implants will last longer if you take good care of them. Implants will experience natural wear and strain, but they will not develop cavities. This is not to say that you don’t have to clean them. Maintain good oral hygiene, especially around the implant and gums.
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. And don’t forget to floss. Another advantage of implants is that you can floss between them just like you can with your natural teeth.
Contact Us for Any Questions About Our Dental Implant Recovery Tips
Or contact us if you have questions about any of the treatments we offer. We would be happy to hear from you. We look forward to seeing you and working on that beautiful smile.