The Dental Implant Recovery Period
The Dental Implant recovery time needed and healing process can be reduced by following some very important care tips. If you keep these in mind it will help the healing happen faster and without as much pain or discomfort.
Prescribed Pain Relief and Swelling Medication:
Your dentist will manage your the discomfort and swelling of your gums by prescribing pain relief medication. As always, you need to take these according to the directions. You should also check with your pharmacist for any drug interactions with other medications you may be taking. Even if you feel that you can manage the pain, you should still take the medication on the first day because by the evening this could get worse, or swelling can intensify. After that, you may try non-prescription pain medication. Discuss this with your implant dentist.
Use a Lukewarm Salt Water Rinse:
Salt is known for its beneficial healing effect, so, to speed up recovery, you should rinse your mouth regularly with salt water. Rinse about 2 to three times per day with the lukewarm salt water mix, and this will help greatly in reducing the swelling and discomfort. The mix for this salt water rinse is to add one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and stir well until the salt is dissolved.
Brushing Teeth Very Gently:
Even though you just had dental implants placed, continuing your daily dental care is extremely important. After surgery is the time when infections can begin, so brush to keep food particles away. Use an extremely soft bristled brush for brushing during your recovery period.
Apply gentle circular motions, and be careful with the sensitive area where you have stitches. After you brush, remember to rinse with the salt water rinse. This will remove all of the bacteria and the healing process can happen much faster and more efficiently.
Another extra measure is to use a special toothpaste or mouthwash that contains only natural extracts, and no chemicals, abrasives, or harsh ingredients.
What Foods are Suggested While Dental Implants Heal?
It is highly recommended that you will switch to a soft food diet after getting dental implants placed. That way, you won’t apply too much pressure on your gums and teeth, and your digestion will still work very well. Yogurts, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, puddings, and purees are all foods that can be eaten with confidence after the dental implant surgery. You should also try to eat plenty of healthy foods, which will aid in your healing process.
It is extremely important to take extra care during your dental implant recovery process. Give your mouth the proper time to heal, and give your body the healthy nutrients it needs to accelerate that healing. Your mouth needs to be kept as clean as possible, which is why gentle brushing and the salt water rinses are recommended three times per day.