When you have missing or damaged teeth, one of the best ways to improve your smile is by getting dental implants. Dental implants can give you a natural improvement of your teeth with little to no pain and minimal healing time. This procedure, when done by a qualified dentist, can be all you need to boost your self-worth. But before you rush to get dental implants Richmond Hill, here are a few things you need to learn about post implant care.
Dealing with the pain
Like in any other surgically procedure even though implants are minimally invasive, you may experience some pain. The pain will begin to reduce as the implants heal and your dentist may prescribe some pain medications to help in coping. You may also get some over-the-counter medications to deal with the pain.
Bruising and swelling
It is common to experience bruising and swelling after having dental implants. The cheeks and gums may begin to swell. Expect this to go away after a week or so of having the procedure done. If the bruising and swelling doesn’t subside for weeks, consider visiting your dentist to review the area again.
Preventing infections
There’s always a risk of infection in every surgical procedure. Dentists and surgeons usually advice their patients on how to keep the area clean to prevent infections. You may even be advised to avoid using tobacco because it is known to lead to implant failure. Should you experience any numbness or tingling in the surgical site, consult the dentist as it could be a sign of nerve or tissue damage which rarely occurs after implant treatment.
The dos and don’ts of post dental implant care
For dental implants to heal properly, you need to follow all the instructions and recommendations given by your dentist or surgeon after having the procedure done. Let’s take a look at some of the instructions your dentist is likely to give after having implant surgery.
Avoid smoking: Many dentists and surgeons will advise their patients to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before the procedure is done. This is because smoking will prevent the body from healing quickly. The smoke inhibits oxygen from reaching the cells. This can undermine effective healing.
Don’t take alcoholic drinks: Introducing alcohol into your bloodstream after going through this minimally invasive surgery can significantly undermine the body’s healing ability. Drinking alcohol after implant surgery can lead to bleeding problems.
Good oral hygiene is important: You will be advised to always clean and floss your teeth regularly as the implants heal. But be sure to clean the surgical site gently to avoid swelling or bruising. You can even ask the dentist to recommend oral products that are best to use after surgery. Look for a soft-bristled toothbrush that you can use after surgery to clean the site.
Doing the simple things like rinsing your mouth with warm water can go a long way in facilitating a quick healing process. Talk to your dentist regarding other side effects of implants before having the procedure done.
