You just had dental implant surgery in Jacksonville, FL, and you’re thinking about going to the beach, sipping on a smoothie, and celebrating. However, your dental surgeon would advise you to put that drink down or at least take the straw out. After receiving a dental implant, your gums and jaw bone need some time to heal around the titanium or zirconia base. Your teeth and gums may be especially vulnerable to infection during the recovery process. To protect your new implant, you may need to alter a few of your habits to optimize your recovery. Here are 4 habits you should kick to welcome your new implant successfully.
1—Drinking Through a Straw
A blood clot will form over the treated area following the dental implant procedure as part of the natural healing process. This is normal and essential for recovery. During the first 72 hours after your surgery, it’s vital that you do not disturb the blood clot to preserve your progress. Drinking with a straw creates a sucking sensation in your mouth that could dislodge or damage it, delaying recovery.
2—Strenuous Exercise
For those with intense exercise regimens, giving up a few days of our routine may be inconvenient but necessary. Because exercise increases blood flow, this could prompt some additional bleeding around the implant. It’s essential to limit your physical activity for 2 to 3 days after surgery. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a longer wait time.
3—Foods that are Difficult to Chew
For a few days after the surgery, you should stick to a soft foods diet. Avoiding hard, hot, or spicy foods will protect your new implant from irritation and pain. In particular, nuts and seeds could trigger pain or become lodged in the surgical area. You can aid the healing process by chewing only soft foods and avoiding the side of the mouth where the surgery was conducted.
4—Intense Rinsing
Having recently undergone surgery with lots of tools and cotton in your mouth, you may be tempted to pull out your mouthwash for a few vigorous rinses. However, this could compromise your healing process. Because the swishing sensation may disturb the implant’s surgical site during the first few days of recovery, you should rinse your mouth slowly and carefully. Rather than rushing to release the mouthwash into your sink, slowly let it pour from your bottom lip.
If you recently had dental implant surgery in Jacksonville, congratulations! Avoid the 4 habits above to support your new tooth and an overall healthy smile.
About the Practice
Jacksonville Complete Dentistry provides a kind and welcoming environment to all of its patients. Offering an easily accessible location, convenient payment options, and a wide variety of services, their team prioritizes patient experience above all else. If you have questions about the implant surgery or recovery process, feel free to reach out to Jacksonville Complete Dentistry via their website or at (904) 746-4069.