Dental Implant Recovery Tips
The placement of your dental implant is the first step toward achieving a new and healthier smile. In the weeks and months that follow, your implant fill fuse with surrounding jawbone tissue through a natural process called osseointegration.
Doctors C. Mike Meek or David Tasch will guide you through recovery following your dental implant placement at our Austin, TX clinic. Following these basic tips can help you recover fully and quickly.
What to Expect after Surgery
In the days following the placement of your implant post, swelling and discomfort should be expected. One of our doctors will provide you with a detailed recovery plan.
In the first few days after surgery, patients should refrain from:
- Eating hard foods
- Using a straw
- Aggravating the surgery site
- Brushing aggressively
- Drinking hot liquids
- Drinking or smoking
How to Plan Ahead for a Full Recovery
Planning for recovery will help you avoid unnecessary stress and discomfort after your surgery. A healthy recovery also increases the chances of a successful dental implant treatment.
- Recovery area: In the days and weeks before your implant placement, plan ahead by stocking up on supplies. Allocate an area of your home as your recovery area. Stock up on soft foods, drinks, clean linens, comfortable clothing, and medications. Doing so will allow you to relax when you return home.
- Notify friends and family: Have a list of friends and contacts who can be relied upon for picking up food or driving you to the dentist if needed.
- Take adequate time off work: While it is possible to return to work the day after your implant surgery, the more time you can rest the better. Consider having your procedure done on a Thursday or Friday so you can rest through the weekend. When swelling and minor discomfort subsides, you will be better able to focus on work.
- Be careful what you eat: Stock your kitchen and recovery area with soft foods and plenty of liquids. As you are able to eat solid foods, make a point to eat healthy, vegetable-based meals. The nutrients will support your immune system while your dental posts heal.
- Follow recovery guidelines: One of our doctors will provide you with a customized recovery plan. Follow the timeline closely. Failure to do so may lead to complications or an elevated risk for infection.
- Be patient: Have a realistic expectation for the healing timeline. It may be several months before your final prosthetic is placed.
- Refrain from smoking: Smoking is a leading risk factor for dental implant failure. Tobacco use compromises your immune system while lowering jawbone density. You should be willing to quit tobacco use several weeks before oral surgery.
Call Us Today
Dental implants are associated with a 98 percent success rate, according to the Journal of Oral Implantology. This treatment improves oral health, prevents jawbone recession, restores bite balance, and replaces missing teeth.
If you are ready to schedule your first dental implant consultation, contact our office online or call (512) 458-6222.
