Have you been scheduled for dental implant surgery to replace your missing tooth? Aside from the excitement of finally having all your teeth intact, take time to learn more about the implantation surgery. You will be more cautious once you learn that recovery can take up to six months.
What are Dental Implants?
They are oral devices that dentists use to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are unique in that they replace tooth roots fast before restoring the exterior of teeth.
A dental implant in Calgary features a small screw-like metal post made of titanium. Titanium is incredible for permanent tooth replacement as it is biocompatible, integrating easily with natural bone tissue.
What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants?
The only way to install a dental implant in your jawbone is by way of surgery. Therefore, a dental implant procedure is invasive and rather painful. It is the reason dentists begin your treatment by numbing your mouth with local anesthesia. Further, the dentist will employ sedation dentistry to calm and relax your brain and body throughout your treatment.
The initial step for dental implant surgery entails cutting open the gums to expose the jaw bone. The dentist then begins to drill the jawbone, creating a hole to accommodate a dental implant. The dentist will then take a dental implant machine the size of the drilled hole, then erect it in the jawbone. The next step entails suturing the gums to hold the implant and initiate healing.
Your dentist will install a dental crown over the tooth implant on a separate dental visit. The dentist may opt for a dental bridge or a denture instead of a crown for multiple tooth replacements.
What Happens After Dental Implant Surgery?
One of the areas that your dentist in NW Calgary will prepare you for after dental implant surgery is the long recovery. It takes between 3 and 6 months to heal well after a tooth implant. During this time, you must be intentional about taking care of your mouth, especially in light of the following side effects:
Sore and tender gums
Dental pain and discomfort
Swollen gums and cheeks
Bad breath
How to Enjoy Your Recovery After Dental Implant Surgery
Frankly, it will feel overwhelming to be in recovery for about three months. If you are not prepared for such a long recovery, you may have a hard time adjusting your life to support speedy and smooth healing. Some of the tips and tricks to help you enjoy your time in recovery after dental implant surgery are:
Take the prescribed medication – your dentist at Toothworks will prescribe some medicine to help manage the pain and swelling.
Rest well – resting is significant in how quickly your body heals. Resting allows your body to concentrate on healing the wound instead of focusing on all other matters.
Eat right – you cannot starve yourself simply because you have undergone surgery. Instead, learn different ways you can eat right after dental implant surgery.
What to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
The rule of thumb regarding what to eat after dental implant surgery is to stick to soft and bland foods. Soft foods are easier to consume. Bland foods are helpful to prevent aggravating the wound with spices or salt. If you can stick to this rule, you will not have a hard time picking the best foods to eat after your dental implant surgery. Some incredible suggestions include:
Mashed potatoes
Smoothies
Bananas
Eggs
Creamy soups
Yogurt
Oatmeal and milk
Meal replacement shakes
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
Some of the foods you should avoid soon after your dental implant surgery are:
Hard and crunchy food – place unnecessary pressure on your teeth as you try to break down the food particles.
Hot foods and drinks – can easily burn and irritate your gums, which will be sensitive and tender after surgery.
Spicy and heavily salted foods – aggravate your wound, causing pain and inflammation.
Sugary foods – sugars in food attract acids in bacteria in your mouth that are responsible for oral infections. Since the last thing you want is to suffer an infection on your implant wound, avoid sugary foods.
