How To Recover From Dental Implants

Dental implants are a two-step dental process that's designed to help restore your smile if you have a missing tooth. Whether you have to have a tooth pulled because of an infection or an injury, a dental implant will ensure that you not only look presentable again but that your teeth don't shift around. During the first step of the process, your dentist will surgically implant a metal rod into your gums. Once your gums have healed around the rod, your dentist can then place a crown on top, and the process is complete. But, in order for you to get to the second step, you need to make sure that your gums heal properly, but how? This article will take a closer look at some steps that you should take. Ready to learn more? If so, read on. 

Rinse the Surgical Site

When you get home from the dentist, you will need to keep the surgical site clean and free from bacteria. In order to do this, all you really need to do is rinse the area with saltwater. To do this mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Then, gently swish the solution in your mouth while focusing on the incision site. Just make sure that you don't rinse too vigorously because that could cause dry socket. Do it as gently as possible. 

Take Ibuprofen

As long as your medical health permits, make sure that you take some ibuprofen or other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin. These drugs will help you get rid of both pain and swelling at the incision site which will help you heal quicker and more comfortably. 

Rest

No, dental implant surgery isn't a big surgery, but you should take a day off of work to lay in bed and rest. Because your mouth will be sore and swollen, you probably won't want to be seen in public. Plus, the rest in bed will really help to speed up your recovery as well. 

Now that you know a few ways to help yourself recover from dental implants, it's time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Even though this recovery process takes a couple of months until you can get a crown placed onto the rod, it's still important to know a few things to help speed up this process. To learn more, contact a dental office near you today.


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