Your placement surgery is your first step to replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant. Your dentist will insert a titanium post into your jaw to serve as a new tooth root. Your bone will fuse to the implant over the next several weeks through a process called osseointegration. After your bone has healed, your implant post can stay in place for decades. However, simple mistakes following your procedure can increase your risk of dental implant failure. Here are a few things you should avoid after your placement surgery.
Don’t Skip Pain Medications
After the effects of sedation or anesthesia wear off, it’s normal for your mouth to be tender for a few days. You may also experience bruising and inflammation. Your dentist will prescribe or recommend OTC pain relievers to keep you comfortable. It’s important to take them as instructed.
Don’t Drink with a Straw
Your mouth will be sore, but you must stay hydrated. Don’t use a straw for at least 48 hours because it can dislodge the blood clot that has formed at the surgical site. Don’t forget to temperature check any beverages to avoid accidental burns.
Don’t Eat Hard Foods
You can’t put any pressure on your implant until after your bone has healed or it can affect the long-term success of your new smile. Your dentist will instruct you to stick to liquids for 1-2 weeks. After that time, you’ll need to eat soft foods that require minimal chewing for many weeks. Avoid any hard, crunchy, or chewy foods.
Don’t Smoke
Tobacco affects your immune system, increasing your risk of infections and delayed healing. It’s best to stop smoking at least 1-2 weeks before your procedure and don’t pick up the habit again for 2 weeks or longer afterward. Ideally, it’s best to stop smoking completely.
Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss
Good oral hygiene is more important than ever. Carefully brush and floss your teeth. Clean around the surgical site as instructed by your dentist. Do not rinse your mouth aggressively or spit. Instead, let the water flow from your mouth into the sink.
Don’t Skip Follow-Up Appointments
Your dentist must monitor your healing progression to detect anything concerning promptly. After sufficient healing has occurred, they’ll let you know when it’s safe to move on to the restoration phase of your treatment.
After a brief recovery, you’ll be one step closer to a complete, beautiful smile. It’s time well-spent to benefit from the most reliable method of replacing lost teeth.
About Dr. Jonathan E. Mason
Dr. Mason achieved his dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and has continued his education in dental implant placement and restoration. He is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (802) 768-9305.