Dental Implants: Recovering in the Week Ahead
Andrew Stratton
June 15, 2011
Dental implants are a wonderful method of tooth replacement and many dentists are now recommending it over dentures and other traditional solutions. While a good set can last for years without giving the patient any problems, the truth is that the procedure itself can and will lead to at least a week of soreness. During that week, your regular routine of eating and drinking may be interrupted. It´s far from the pain of recovering from a substantial surgery, but there is some adjustment time built into the process. Here are some things you can do to ease your recovery.
During the first day or so, there will be some bleeding from the gums. This is perfectly normal and it is to be expected. Your dentist will either recommend getting some gauze to bite down on during this time or will (more likely) give you some himself. Usually this is to be done for an hour or so at a time for the first 24 hours or whenever the bleeding begins to become noticeable. The gauze will help to soak up the excess blood. Some people recommend using a moist tea bag in place of gauze, as it has additional properties that will help stop the bleeding. Black tea is the most commonly recommended form.
It is also recommended that the patient make use of an ice pack immediately after having dental implants put in. This will not only help to control the bleeding, but it can also work wonders when it comes to stemming the swelling and some of the pain. Just place the ice pack against the cheek for thirty minute periods.
One thing that many nicotine-addicted patients struggle with is the no-smoking ban for the first five days following dental implants. The nicotine in cigarettes, the smoke, and even the sucking motion can all cause a delay in the healing process and in some cases can cause some fairly significant complications. The patch and nicotine gum are not really viable options during this time, either, as nicotine itself is a vasoconstrictor that prevents adequate blood flow from getting to the area that needs it. The patient can resume smoking after five days, though it is obviously better for general health that they do not.
The diet for the first week following dental implants should mainly consist of soft, cool foods. Yogurt, ice cream, and other foods that are easy to consume are usually the best bet. The patient should avoid hot foods, as these can interfere with the blood clotting process and could even lead to dry socket and infection.
In Smithtown NY dental implants have helped countless patients restore the look of their smile and rejuvenate their self-confidence at the same time. Find out more about this innovative procedure at http://www.nowdentalofsuffolk.com/.
During the first day or so, there will be some bleeding from the gums. This is perfectly normal and it is to be expected. Your dentist will either recommend getting some gauze to bite down on during this time or will (more likely) give you some himself. Usually this is to be done for an hour or so at a time for the first 24 hours or whenever the bleeding begins to become noticeable. The gauze will help to soak up the excess blood. Some people recommend using a moist tea bag in place of gauze, as it has additional properties that will help stop the bleeding. Black tea is the most commonly recommended form.
It is also recommended that the patient make use of an ice pack immediately after having dental implants put in. This will not only help to control the bleeding, but it can also work wonders when it comes to stemming the swelling and some of the pain. Just place the ice pack against the cheek for thirty minute periods.
One thing that many nicotine-addicted patients struggle with is the no-smoking ban for the first five days following dental implants. The nicotine in cigarettes, the smoke, and even the sucking motion can all cause a delay in the healing process and in some cases can cause some fairly significant complications. The patch and nicotine gum are not really viable options during this time, either, as nicotine itself is a vasoconstrictor that prevents adequate blood flow from getting to the area that needs it. The patient can resume smoking after five days, though it is obviously better for general health that they do not.
The diet for the first week following dental implants should mainly consist of soft, cool foods. Yogurt, ice cream, and other foods that are easy to consume are usually the best bet. The patient should avoid hot foods, as these can interfere with the blood clotting process and could even lead to dry socket and infection.
In Smithtown NY dental implants have helped countless patients restore the look of their smile and rejuvenate their self-confidence at the same time. Find out more about this innovative procedure at http://www.nowdentalofsuffolk.com/.
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