The before and after care choices you make play a key role in creating lasting success for your dental implant procedure and healing. Whether you receive All-on-4 arches, a dental implant bridge or a single dental implant, you can control many of the factors that make a difference in how fast and how thoroughly your implant bonds with the surrounding bone (osseointegration) by choosing the right behaviors.
Let’s start at the beginning of the healing process and discuss some of the short-term symptoms you may experience post surgery:
Healing
Normal healing after placement of dental implants should be as follows: The first two days after surgery are generally the most uncomfortable and there is usually some swelling. On the third day you should be more comfortable and, although still swollen, can usually begin a more substantial diet. The remainder of the post-operative course should be gradual, steady improvement. If you don’t see continued improvement, please call our office.
Discoloration or Bruising
The development of black, blue, green or yellow discoloration is due to bruising beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence that might appear 2-3 days after surgery. Beginning 36 hours after the surgery, moist heat applied to the area may speed up resolution of the discoloration.
Sore Throat
This is not uncommon after oral surgery. The muscles get swollen and this may make swallowing painful. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days.
Stiff Jaw Muscles
This may cause a limitation in opening the mouth wide for a few days after surgery. This is a normal post-operative event that usually resolves during the week after surgery. Stretching these muscles may help to speed up resolution of this problem. Discover more vital healing tips to consider after your dental implants compliments of Oral Facial Surgeon
Pre-Planning Leaves Less Room For Unwelcome Surprises for dental implant healing
At Harrell Dental Implant Center, we believe that education is essential. Answering all questions and concerns ahead of time and offering in-depth pre- and post-care instructions ensures that our clients are prepared for success. We are committed to making every aspect of your implant surgery a success. For instance, it can be tempting to celebrate your new smile with a glass of wine, but we want you to know that, for a while, this is not a good idea. Read more cautions below:
Drinking Alcohol
You probably know you should not drink alcohol soon after your oral surgery, because the beverage can thin the blood and cause extensive bleeding around the dental implant. Alcohol can also be dangerous when it is mixed with steroidal pain killers that are commonly prescribed after a dental implant operation.
The Harmful Healing Effects of Alcohol
You may think that it is safe to drink alcohol after the initial implant healing period. This is not wise though, because habitual alcohol use can reduce the amount of white blood cells the body produces. White blood cells are utilized by the body to eliminate bacteria and other foreign intruders from the body. If your body does not produce enough white blood cells, then bacteria may multiply around the gum or bone implant site and an infection may set in.
Alcohol can also stop your body from absorbing enough calcium. This can lead to weak bones and it will also slow down the osseointegration process. Osseointegration occurs when the jaw bone forms new cells around the implant root. These cells adhere to the metal and the implant becomes a permanent part of the jaw. If osseointegration does not occur, then the implant will fail and fall out. This means you should not drink alcohol until your dentist indicates the osseointegration process has completed.
Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking is another thing you absolutely should not do after a dental implant is secured in your mouth. When you smoke, you cause the blood vessels in your body to constrict. This reduces the flow of blood to your gums and your jaw bone, and oxygen and other nutrients cannot reach the tissues. These nutrients are required to help the tissues heal properly.
The act of smoking also releases a great deal of toxins into your body. Carbon monoxide, ammonia, and cyanide are only a few examples of the 4000 chemicals that enter the body when you smoke. Your immune and excretory system work hard to remove these toxins from the body. As your body spends time trying to eliminate the harmful substances, it does not extend energy to help your implant wound heal. Fittesystem describes in detail more habits to consider avoiding during your convalescence.
Creative Soft Foods To Prepare
The list of delicious soft foods you can enjoy after your dental implant surgery is large. We suggest that you do your grocery shopping prior to your procedure so you can relax afterward. Use your blender or food processor to efficiently mash up foods and make them easier to swallow. Here are some of the fresh foods you may want to include on your grocery list:
- Avocado
- Baby Food
- Baked Beans – mashed if necessary
- Baked Apples
- Bananas
- Biscuits – flakey, soft or soaked to become soft
- Broccoli – steamed soft
- Broth
- Butternut Squash – cooked soft
- Carnation Instant Breakfast Drinks
- Carrots – steamed soft
- Casseroles
- Clams and Clam Chowder
Read the rest of this alphabetical list on the Sarasota Dentistry website.
If you are ready to have the smile you deserve, call Harrell Dental Implant Center and schedule your free consultation appointment to discuss the procedure options and get answers to your questions or concerns. We will be happy to show you how dental implants are your best option.
Call 704-206-1330 or use the contact form on the website to make your appointment. During your consultation a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will appear when your implants are in place.
