What Does Dental Implant Surgery Involve, And How Do You Recover?

5 April 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Whether it is due to an accident or dental disease, missing teeth are quite common among adults. Having missing teeth does not just hurt your appearance and self-confidence. They can also make chewing certain foods and communicating more difficult. Fortunately, you may be able to restore your smile with dental implants. These implants replace your teeth and look completely natural.

Here is some more information about dental implant surgery and how you can recover.

How Does Dental Implant Surgery Work?

Dental implant surgery involves several steps. During your first appointment, your dentist will surgically insert a metal post into the bone socket of your missing tooth. It will take several months for the post to bond with your jawbone.

When the implant is secure with your jawbone, your dentist will place an abutment over it, which will hold your new tooth. Lastly, they will attach a crown to the abutment. 

How Do You Recover from the Procedure?

Dental implant surgery is not a complicated procedure, but there is still some recovery involved. Here are some tips to recover properly from your procedure.

Be Careful About What You Eat

Your mouth will be tender for a few weeks following dental implant surgery. Therefore, you will have to avoid eating hard and crunchy foods for a while. Stick to softer foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and eggs.

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Dental implant surgery may not be considered a big procedure, but your body still requires rest afterward. You will want to avoid strenuous exercise and activities until you are fully healed. Get plenty of rest every day so that you recover properly.

Use a Cold Compress

Swelling is a common side effect of dental implant surgery. To ease your discomfort, place a cold compress on the swollen area of your face several times a day.

Do Not Smoke

If you smoke tobacco, your dentist will ask you to quit for at least a few weeks after your procedure. Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.

Rinse With Salt Water

After your dental implant surgery, you will want to do everything you can to avoid infection. Gargling salt water several times a day is an effective way to remove germs and assist the healing process.

If you think you are a good candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area today.