Once you’ve had dental implants placed in your jaw, you will be one step closer to enjoying a complete smile again. That being said, it will take time for your mouth to heal after your dental implant surgery, and it’s important to do everything you can to keep the healing process on track. To that end, there are certain things you will need to avoid doing during your recovery. Below are 4 “do nots” to keep in mind in the days after your dental implant procedure.
1. Do Not Smoke
One of the side effects of tobacco is to impair the mouth’s ability to heal. Consequently, using cigarettes after dental implant surgery could have an adverse effect on osseointegration, which is the name for the process where the implant posts form a lasting bond with the jawbone. You should therefore plan on refraining from smoking for a while after you receive your dental implants.
2. Do Not Engage in Intense Exercise
You will be instructed to take it easy for at least two to three days following your dental implant surgery. The reason for this is simple: the increased blood flow caused by physical activity can lead to excessive bleeding at the surgical site. Giving yourself plenty of time to rest is key to avoiding complications after your dental implant surgery.
3. Do Not Eat Foods That are Particularly Hard or Hot
There are certain foods that you won’t be able to eat after your procedure. Specifically, you should stay away from hard foods that could damage your dental implants; plan on sticking to a diet of soft foods for the time being. You also need to avoid hot foods that may irritate your mouth. Carefully planning your meals is essential if you want to avoid problems after dental implant surgery.
4. Do Not Drink Anything Through a Straw
After your surgery, a blood clot will form at the implant site. Dislodging this blood clot can result in dry socket, which is a painful condition that slows down the healing process. In order to protect your blood clot, you should avoid drinking through a straw while your mouth is recovering. Using a straw creates suction that could easily pull a blood clot out of place. To avoid this issue, you should drink all beverages directly out of the glass or cup.
Are you not sure what you should or shouldn’t do after receiving your dental implants? Let your dentist know if you have any questions or concerns. The more information you have, the easier it will be to ensure the success of the implant posts that will eventually act as the foundation for your new smile!
About the Practice
At AV Dental Associates of Jersey City, we make it our goal to provide our patients with excellent dental care while also making sure they stay as relaxed as possible whenever they visit us. Our team is able to place dental implants in-office, meaning you don’t have to worry about visiting an unfamiliar specialist for the procedure. To schedule a consultation at our practice, visit our website or call (201) 484-7759.
