If you are planning an implant dentistry procedure – that’s excellent news. You will love the results because implants give you the ability to enjoy all of your favorite foods, maintain an active lifestyle, play sports, sing, and laugh uproariously without worrying about your new tooth becoming loose or falling out. This is much better than wearing dentures as they can limit your daily activities.
The reason implants are so strong and durable is that a metal post is implanted under the gums and secured to the jawbone. This post will eventually fuse with the bone through a process known as osseointegration. Once the two elements have fused together, you will have a new root system that is just as strong as a natural one. A synthetic tooth is then created in a dental lab and attached to a metal post. The entire process can take several months as it takes time for osseointegration to be completed. The wait is well worth it because in the end you will be able to play sports and eat your favorite foods without concern that your tooth will come out or become loose.
Since the metal post is inserted under the gums there is a surgical element to any implant dentistry procedure. This means that certain steps must be taken in order to have a quick and speedy recovery. Here is what we recommend.
Take some time off of work.
This is not a simple teeth cleaning. Permanently replacing a tooth is a complicated procedure that requires you resting afterwards. Take some time off of work, grab a good book, some new movies and hit the couch. This is an excellent time to unwind and focus on getting well. By resting, your body can focus on the healing process. Additionally, you should avoid playing sports, running, or any aggressive activity that could bump, push, or pull on the implants. They need to be left in place to heal so take it easy for a few days.
Watch your diet.
Make sure to eat soft foods only. Things like yogurt, soup, and apple sauce are excellent options for the first week because they don’t pose any risk to the implants. Stock up before your procedure so that there is food ready to go in the fridge, and you won’t be tempted to pull out easier snacks that could be hard for your gums. Anything that can leave crumbs should be avoided. You must also stay away from alcohol and tobacco products since they are bad for the health of your mouth and will slow down the healing process.
Take care of your gums.
It is normal for your gums to feel sore, swollen, and even bleed after the dental implants procedure. You can use gauze or a moist tea bag to control the bleeding, ice to stop the swelling, and pain medication to help you feel comfortable.
After a week, your gums will start to feel better, and we will inspect them during a follow-up examination. We will keep you informed about what activities are okay to do and what foods you can eat. Before you know it, you will have a beautiful new tooth that is durable and strong.
