Dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing teeth because they look, work, and feel just like the real thing. You are undoubtedly excited about enjoying a complete smile again if you’re scheduled to undergo dental implant surgery, so you’re probably also interested in learning about what you can do to prepare for the treatment. Here are a few measures you can take to set yourself up for a complication-free procedure and a lifetime with healthy implants.
Quit Smoking
Tobacco use in any form is absolutely horrible for your oral health in any case, but it can be particularly harmful for people who have just received dental implants. Nicotine has a side effect of making blood vessels constrict, which makes it harder for the gum tissue to heal and fight infection. This is especially problematic after receiving dental implants because it will hinder the natural process of osseointegration that is necessary for the titanium posts to bond with their surrounding bone tissue, making the implants more likely to fail sooner.
It’s best to quit smoking at least two weeks before receiving dental implants and to continue refraining from the habit for at least two months afterward. If you have to skip smoking for that long anyway, why not consider giving the nasty habit up altogether?
Stock Up on Soft Foods
Most patients report that recovering after receiving a dental implant is much easier and more comfortable than recovering from a tooth extraction, but it’s still best to stick to a soft, mild, and cool diet for a few days after the procedure to avoid stressing the new implant. A few excellent foods to enjoy after the surgery include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt and other dairy products
- Pudding
- Soups
- Smoothies
- Steamed veggies
Make sure to get plenty of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to keep your healing process going smoothly. You can resume eating normally when your dentist clears you to do so.
Understand Your Aftercare Instructions
Understanding your aftercare instructions before your surgery can make it easier to comply with them after the procedure. You can expect your dentist to instruct you to:
- Get plenty of rest
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days
- Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed when necessary
- Refrain from smoking, spitting, or drinking through a straw, as these can lead to a severely painful condition called dry socket
Dental implants can complete your smile with beautifully lifelike restorations. By making a few easy preparations before your surgery, you can help ensure that your implants are successful and long-lasting.
About the Author
Dr. Dalton Hunt earned her dental degree from the University of Louisville and completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at UNC-Chapel Hill that focused on cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. Her office in Raleigh offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about dental implant aftercare, contact her office online or dial (919) 787-8243.