Dental implants have grown greatly in popularity over the last few years, and with good reason. This natural-looking, permanent option for tooth replacement keeps your smile bright and your jawbone healthy. Since it requires surgery, many are concerned about rehabilitation and healing time afterwards, and how long your dentist will recommend that you rest before returning to work and other everyday activities.

Recovering After Implants

The placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure. As such, it requires diligent aftercare and sufficient downtime to ensure successful healing. Many people find it possible to return to work the next day after implants are placed. However, your personal recovery time may vary depending upon how many implants you have placed, your own general health, how physical your job is, and how comfortable you feel returning to your everyday activities. If your job is very physical or demanding, you might need to take more time off than if you are more sedentary. If you are on your feet all day, it might also be best to take a bit more time for your mouth to heal. [pullquote]Many people find it possible to return to work the next day after implants are placed.[/pullquote]

Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions to help ensure the best possible recovery. These instructions will probably include:

• Taking prescribed medications such as painkillers and antibiotics
• Avoiding certain foods
• Using ice to reduce swelling

If you experience any unusual side effects, such as a fever, extreme discomfort, or signs of infection, notify your dentist right away.

Caring for Your Implants

As your dental implants continue to heal, you’ll be able to return to your regular schedule and your regular diet. You’ll return for follow-up visits to be sure healing is progressing properly. As the implants heal, your jawbone bonds with them, ensuring that they’ll remain stationary and to stimulate bone growth just like a natural tooth root.

To find out more about dental implants and how they can help you regain your natural smile, please contact our implant team at the doctor Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment or a consultation.

Sometimes there are those stories that just change the whole outlook of your day.  This is one of them.  A California teen who is in need of major oral surgery due to a rare genetic condition is getting her wish due to the generous donations of her classmates and neighbors.  To read more about this heart-warming story, check it out .

Age affects all parts of our bodies, even our teeth and gums. You and can work together to minimize problems that develop with age. Regular oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help keep your gums and teeth healthy as you grow older.

Changes to Oral Health Due to Aging

Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it still suffers from wear and tear over time. Chewing and biting place enormous pressures on the teeth and can cause cracks, chipping, and other damage. In addition, some foods that we eat on a regular basis can wear the enamel down. This is particularly true of carbonated beverages, acidic candies, and citrus fruits and juices. Erosion and damage to the enamel make your teeth more vulnerable to decay. It can also lead to sensitivity as dentin is exposed.

Other health issues as you age can have a detrimental effect on your oral health. Some medications or medical treatments can cause dry mouth, which increases your vulnerability to cavities and gum disease.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy as You Age

Tooth loss is not an inevitable consequence of aging. If you take good care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly, you can keep your natural teeth for the rest of your life. Some actions to take to maintain your dental health include:

• Brush and floss regularly
• See your family dentist on a regular basis
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Avoid foods that can cause damage to the enamel

If arthritis or other issues make it difficult for you to maneuver a toothbrush or dental floss, ask your dentist about special tools to make it easier for you to care for your teeth. If you have experienced a change in medication and notice symptoms of dry mouth, be sure to talk to your doctor and dentist about this as well. By maintaining good oral care habits and attending to other aspects of your physical health, you can also help ensure your teeth will remain healthy as you grow older.

Call the office of our experienced and caring dentists at our office to schedule your bi-yearly appointment today.