After Dental Implants: The First Six Weeks
Dental implants have gained tremendous popularity among patients due to the benefits they offer compared to other alternatives. However, recovery is vital for dental implant surgery. In fact, the first six weeks after the dental implant surgery are crucial because the ability of your mouth to accept the implant highly depends on what happens during this period. To give you an idea about what to expect during the first six weeks after your dental implant surgery, consider the following scenarios:
You're in Pain
Shortly after the dental implant surgery, the anesthetic wears off and you're in pain. You're taking in over-the-counter pain medication to ease the pain. You know that not all pain relievers are suitable after dental implant surgery. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers are not suitable for dental implant surgery because it may interrupt with the supposed condition of the gums for the next steps in the dental implant surgery profess. Nonetheless, swelling slowly disappears within one to two weeks after the surgery.
You're on a Soft Diet
Within the first six weeks, your diet is teeth-friendly: a soft diet as recommended by your dentist. You refuse to chew food that has not come from either a blender or food processor. Your typical meal is composed of a smoothie, anything mashed, and soups.
You're Following an Extensive Cleaning Regimen
You know how crucial it is to prevent infection from developing in your mouth. You use the prescribed antibiotic rinse every after meal or snack or as prescribed by your dentist. You religiously brush your teeth as usual, while preventing impact or pressure to the implant itself. You also use dental floss to clean the hard-to-reach areas in between your teeth because you don't want any bacterial buildup inside your mouth. You also stop smoking within six weeks because you know that smoking actually increases the risk of infection in the mouth.
You're Recovering
The surgery was difficult for you, but you are quickly recovering. Because you are following all advice by your dentist, the swelling and bleeding have stopped as expected, and the implant lesion has been healing. By the end of the first six weeks, the pain becomes milder and more tolerable. Most importantly, no infection has developed to prevent successful integration of the dental implant in your mouth.
Dental implants can bring some hard work and pain, especially during the first six weeks. However, with the implants lasting for so long, it is really worth enduring. Reach out to a dentist, like those at Gallery Dental, to learn more.