After Dental Implants Dental implants are a popular treatment used to replace missing teeth. Placing dental implants requires a surgical procedure during which small titanium posts are placed into your jawbone. These posts are designed to act as artificial tooth roots and anchor your replacement teeth in place. At Raptou Family Dental, we provide Dental Implants to meet many different tooth replacement needs. Here is what you can expect after dental implants are placed.Before You Go HomeAfter surgery, temporary dental restorations will be placed. These teeth are used until you have fully healed. Before you go home, we will provide you with aftercare instructions. These instructions will help you to deal with common post-surgical issues and provide you with information on diet, oral care, and activities. Following your instructions is important for ensuring that your bone fuses properly to the posts and that you avoid serious issues like infections and implant failure. Dealing with Pain and SwellingPain and swelling are both very common after implant placement. Pain can often be managed with over the counter pain relievers. For mild pain, acetaminophen can help. Follow the instructions on the bottle. You may also be given a prescription for stronger pain relievers. These are prescribed for more severe pain and should only be taken as directed. Swelling can usually be managed with ice and heat. During the first 24 hours after surgery, use ice packs wrapped in a towel. Apply the ice to your face near the surgical site for 20 minutes and leave it off for 20 minutes. Repeat as often as needed. After 48 hours, moist heat can help to bring down swelling. Apply the heat for 15 minutes on and off as often as needed. What to Eat After Implant SurgeryEating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is essential for ensuring that you heal properly. However, you will need to be careful with the foods that you eat, especially in the early stages of recovery. Avoid foods that are too hot or too spicy, as these can irritate surgical sites. For the first few days following surgery, especially if multiple implants are placed, it is recommended that you stick to liquid and pureed foods such as applesauce, smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and broths. Then, you should maintain a diet of soft, easy to chew foods. Avoid foods that are too hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy. As you heal, you can slowly begin to resume your normal diet. Taking Care of Your MouthOral hygiene is crucial for proper healing to avoid infections and other complications. You may begin brushing your teeth 24 hours after surgery and rinsing your mouth. Take special care around the surgical wounds. Do not poke at them. A saltwater solution several times a day can help to remove loose food particles and bacteria. You should also avoid smoking while you heal. Smoking can slow your blood flow, slowing the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients. This habit can also affect your immune system, preventing your body from effectively fighting infections. You will be recommended to quit smoking before surgery. If you are unable to quit for good, you should at least wait until after you have fully healed. After HealingAfter you have healed from implant surgery, a process that can take several weeks to several months, you will then receive your final dental restorations. Your temporary restorations are removed, and abutments are placed. Then, impressions of your mouth are taken. These impressions are used to design and create your final restorations. Once they are completed, they are secured into place. With proper care after Dental Implant surgery, your bone will fuse to the posts and turn them into strong, stable roots that provide the necessary support for your replacement teeth. If you have any questions or concerns following your implant surgery, call Raptou Family Dental today at (614) 427-0449. |
Contact Raptou Family Dental TodayOur Columbus dentists are the first step to a healthier, happier you! |
