If you’ve made it through your dental implant placement, you’re well on your way towards enjoying your new teeth! You don’t want to hit any bumps that could slow down your journey, though, so it’s important to know what your limitations are during recovery. Keep reading to learn why it’s crucial to be careful and avoid certain habits.
Why Gentle Care is Important
During any type of recovery, overextending yourself could interfere with your body’s healing process. After your dental implants are placed, the way your body tries to help you heal is by forming a blood clot around your placement site to protect it from bacteria and discomfort. Disturbing it will increase your risk for infection and is typically very painful, so it’s important to be extra careful not to dislodge it!
No Risky Foods
Hot or spicy foods could irritate the sensitive area around your placement site, while hard, crunchy ones could dislodge the blood clot entirely. Because of this, your dentist will likely recommend maintaining a soft food diet full of gentler options like smoothies, yogurt, and pancakes.
You should also avoid tobacco products and alcohol. The chemicals in these substances could prevent a blood clot from properly forming in the first place and slow down the healing process in general. If you’ll need help restraining yourself from picking up a cigarette or a glass of whisky, don’t hesitate to rely on your support networks.
No Straws or Rough Rinsing
Your diet restrictions might tempt you to drink through a straw. However, the suction you create while using a straw could also dislodge your blood clot! It’s better to consume your liquids the old fashioned way until your mouth has recovered.
Similarly, roughly swishing mouthwash or warm water around your mouth risks disturbing that all-important blood clot. Be sure to rinse slowly and carefully, and instead of spitting your cleanser out, simply open your mouth and let it waterfall into your sink.
No Strenuous Activity
Finally, remember that recovery is all about rest! Without a proper break, your body won’t be able to function as efficiently. Plus, strenuous activities like running increase your blood flow, which could cause excessive bleeding around your placement site. Take it easy with some low-energy forms of entertainment, such as crafts or reading, and if any work needs to be done around the house, enlist the help of a young whippersnapper!
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Carnow earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and is highly experienced with dental implant treatment. His dedication to learning has enabled him to provide advanced dental implant procedures for patients who need it. As a caring and knowledgeable dentist, he’ll help ensure you’re set up for success and are informed about the best way to promote a smooth dental implant recovery. To contact Dr. Carnow’s office, call 214-619-4990.