Dental implants are a great way to improve your smile and quality of life by replacing missing or damaged teeth. Before getting any medical or dental procedure, make sure you do your own research on what the entire process involves, including the recovery period and ways to make it more successful.

• Healing Takes Time

  You may be surprised to learn that the healing period for dental implants surgery can be up to nine months. During this time, osseointegration (fusion of the implants with the jawbone and gum tissue) takes place. Once the implant has merged with the natural tissues, it will then be strong enough to support dentures, a bridge, or an individual crown.

• Avoid Smoking

  This one may be especially difficult if you are smoker, but smoking and/or using tobacco products will delay the healing process while increasing the risk of treatment failure. If there was ever a good time for you to quit smoking, having dental implant surgery is that time.

• Take Your Medicine

  Your dentist will prescribe medication after your treatment, which will ease your pain and discomfort. Follow your dentist’s and pharmacist’s instructions, as some medications may also promote and enhance healing.

• Stay Cool to Reduce Swelling

  You can use a cold compress, such as an ice pack, to help ease the bruising and swelling that takes place in the early days and weeks after your oral surgery. Besides managing your brusing and swelling, you can even reduce pain and discomfort by using this method.

• Eat Soft Foods

  Avoiding foods with hard crumbs, like croutons, is essential because they can get caught in gaps or sutures. Soft foods that require minimal chewing are ideal. Consult with your dentist if you have any questions about what you should or should not eat while healing.

• Follow Up With ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry

  After your dental implant surgery, you will have a series of follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure everything is going smoothly. It is important not to miss any of these appointments as they are scheduled for specific reasons.

• Rest and Relaxation

  You may think that having a procedure performed in your mouth will not impact your ability to participate in day-to-day activities, but this is not always the case. After your surgery, a lot of rest is required while also not pushing yourself when more active. You will also need to avoid certain types of strenuous physical activity.