>> Read Part 1: What to Expect Before Dental Implant Surgery
>> Read Part 2: What to Expect During the Surgery

In the first two parts of this blog series, we covered what you can expect before and on the day of your surgery. From the final piece of the blog series, you will be able to gain a better understanding of what to expect post-surgery. The Southshore Dental staff will cover what you should do so your new smile can last a lifetime, including:

• Choosing the right food to chew during the healing time
• Why you should stop smoking
• How much rest you’ll need
• Ongoing maintenance 
   

Dental implants require the right preparation, not only for the surgery itself but also for your recovery. From choosing the right foods to focusing on your oral health care, here are the steps you should take to make sure you have a successful dental implant surgery.

Choosing the Right Food

For the first 24 hours after surgery, you need to only eat soft foods and avoid food and drinks that are extreme in temperatures - both hot and cold. Do not drink from a straw for the first week to ensure that the site heals properly. After this initial period, choose foods that you can easily cut with a fork. If it’s too hard to cut with a fork, it’s too hard for you to chew.

It may feel difficult to avoid some of your favorite foods during this time, but remember, you will soon have a permanent tooth that allows you to enjoy hard foods, free from pain or discomfort. The key to this is allowing the area to heal well post-surgery.

Stop Smoking

Smokers have a significantly higher risk of implant failure and we do not recommend dental implant surgery to those that cannot stop smoking. Smoking causes the tissue in your mouth to dry out and risks infection. Smoking can cause your healing time to be delayed or even cause your implant to fail.

Rest Appropriately

After dental implant surgery, you will want to wait to resume light activities until you feel like you can manage them. For at least three days, avoid strenuous activities. If you are taking pain medication, avoid driving and other activities that require your coordination and concentration, because the medication may hamper your ability to do these activities safely.

Carefully Research your Dental Implant Dentist

Continue practicing good oral hygiene to avoid infection and allow the site to heal. Normal tooth brushing can start after 24 hours of your surgery, however, you should be careful around the implant. Avoid using mouthwash or other rinses within the first two weeks after surgery. Instead, try a water flosser or rinse with salt water to promote proper healing.

Be sure to continue seeing your dentist for regular cleanings. Consistent follow-ups and cleanings may be the most important advice in this post. Your dentist needs to carefully monitor the healing site to avoid any issues early in the process.

If you’re unsure whether dental implants are right for you, our team of experienced dentists would be happy to evaluate you in a complimentary consultation and walk you through the entire process. At Southshore Dental, we care about your oral health and want what is best for you. To schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Southshore Dental at (734) 675-0585 to discuss dental implants with a downriver dental team that cares about helping you make the best possible decision.