Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For instance, you might feel self-conscious about changes in your appearance or ability to eat and speak confidently. Thankfully, your dentist can replace missing teeth with dental implants, which many experts consider the ideal way to rebuild smiles.
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, implants involve surgically placing a titanium rod into your jawbone. However, that means you must care for your new teeth carefully after your procedure to prevent complications. Continue reading to learn 3 things you should avoid to keep them looking and feeling great!
Item #1: Hard or Crunchy Foods
It can take three to six months to recover after the support pole is embedded in your jaw because it must generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the biocompatible material in a process called osseointegration. Once this stage of recovery is completed successfully, your new tooth is a permanent part of your mouth so there are very few dietary restrictions.
Until then, it’s important to watch what you eat to avoid harming your restoration. For instance, it’s best to stick to a soft diet so you don’t further irritate your already tender teeth and gums. Overly hard, crunchy, hot, or spicy foods can cause sensitivity or dislodge the blood clot that must form at the surgical site to shield the recently exposed nerves and bone tissues.
Item #2: Drinking With a Straw
You’ll also need to stay hydrated after your procedure to support your immune system and prevent infection. Drinking lots of water is a simple and effective way to give your body the fluids it needs while simultaneously rinsing germs, leftover food, and other debris from your mouth to keep it clean.
Unfortunately, the force of suction created when sipping through a straw or water bottle is enough to dislodge or damage the blood clot that’s so essential for healing. As a result, most dentists recommend drinking directly from your cup when having a sip of water.
Item #3: Smoking
If you regularly smoke cigarettes, vapes, or chew tobacco, your provider will likely ask that you quit at least two weeks prior to getting dental implants and wait several months before resuming. This is because tobacco products contain nicotine, the addictive ingredient that makes them so habit-forming. This chemical also functions as a vasoconstrictor, reducing your blood oxygen levels and flow.
This renders your body unable to deliver essential nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your teeth and gums after surgery. This significantly increases the risk of developing the number one leading cause of failure, a form of gum disease known as peri-implantitis.
Your dentist will provide a comprehensive list of post-op instructions intended to help you heal without developing complications. Following their directions closely can help you recover successfully after your dental implants are placed!
Meet the Author
Dr. Bryan Villescas is passionate about helping patients in Port Charlotte improve their daily lives by enhancing their oral health. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and is dedicated to continuing education with prestigious programs like Spear Education and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, comfortable services, including dental implants. He has the expertise and technology to perform each step of the process in the office, including oral surgery, to streamline your experience. You can request an appointment on the website or call (941) 627-9900.