When the dentist has determined that you’re eligible for dental implants in Toronto, it can be an exciting realization. Having teeth replaced through this method is arguably the best solution for tooth loss overall. Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any patient compliance required.
Keeping your implant site protected as it heals is key to ensuring successful and long-lasting tooth replacement. Today, a dentist will explain why getting an implant soon after an extraction matters, what aftercare looks like after the surgery is complete, and what you can do to ensure a smooth healing process!
Don’t Put Off Follow-Up Appointments
During your initial consultation, the dentist probably mentioned the importance of replacing teeth soon after they’re extracted. The moment teeth are missing is the moment that bone begins to shrink in the jaw, resulting in a weaker biting force. The sooner you pursued dental implants, the better off your jaw will be to receive them.
With that being said, once the implant is placed, you’ll need to continue regular follow-ups to the dentist so they can confirm that the implant is healing properly. Even though the implant restoration cannot develop decay like natural enamel, the gum tissue surrounding it needs to remain healthy so the implant can properly adhere to the gum line.
Follow All the Dentist’s Orders
Immediately following your surgery, the dentist will go over all the essential steps of aftercare. While this was likely addressed during your consultation, it’s imperative that you avoid the use of all tobacco products, whether they be cigarettes, chewing tobacco or shisha for hookah. Tobacco dramatically affects the healing process and can easily cause implant failure.
Additionally, you’ll need to take any prescription medications that the dentist provides you to mitigate discomfort following your surgery. Take any antibiotics you’ve been described consistently, making sure not to skip any of your doses. If you experience any swelling, use a cold compress to help reduce it, particularly after the first one to two days. Use this time to rest before continuing your daily activities.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene and Diet
Stick to a soft diet immediately following surgery for the first week, making sure to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the implant. Avoid using straws which could harm the implant site. A good aftercare diet may include:
- Oatmeal
- Soft fruits (bananas, kiwis, berries, strawberries or grapes)
- Soups and stews
- Eggs
- Potatoes
- Yogurt and soft cheeses
- Pasta
Of course, you should always maintain good oral hygiene as your implant heals. Gently brush around the implant area to prevent plaque from irritating gum tissue. For additional protection, rinse your mouth out with saltwater to kill bacteria; just make sure not to spit too forcefully.
Ready to start your aftercare for dental implants? Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Toronto to learn more tips for smooth healing!
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Dann earned his DDS degree from the University of Toronto and his Certificate in Implant Dentistry from the Tufts Medical Centre in Boston, MA. He works hard to make sure patients have the most successful implant treatment possible, before, during and after surgery. To learn more about his practice, you can contact him through his website.
