As with any major dental procedure, the placement of dental implants involves a certain recovery period. Patients can take steps to prepare for this process to make it go more smoothly.

The most important thing to do is talk with your implant dentist so that you’ll know what symptoms are normal and which ones may indicate a problem requiring medical attention. Your dentist can also recommend supplies that you’ll need to have on hand when you return home.

In the hours immediately following the procedure, it is not unusual for patients to continue to experience some light bleeding. You can address this issue by biting down on gauze or black tea bags (the tannins in the tea help to stop the bleeding). An ice pack can also help to reduce bleeding, along with any post-surgical swelling that may occur. [pullquote]Dental implants can be life-changing appliances, and successfully navigating the healing process gives patients a better chance of enjoying those benefits for decades.[/pullquote]

Any discomfort can often be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. If those aren’t effective for you, the dentist can give a prescription-strength medication instead.

Patients are encouraged to stick to a soft diet in the first few days after the surgery. This is both for patient comfort and to avoid disrupting the healing process.

If you smoke, the dentist will request that you refrain from lighting up for at least a week after the dental implants are placed. Ideally, this experience may prompt you to give up the habit for good, as smoking can interfere with the healing process.

A regimen of antibiotics might be prescribed to prevent infection following dental implant placement. If you get a prescription for antibiotics, be sure to take them as directed and for the entire length of time recommended.

After the initial few weeks of healing, the dental implants will fuse with the underlying bone. This osseointegration process gives the implants their permanence, and it requires the patient to be conscientious about a good oral hygiene routine to reduce the presence of plaque and bacteria that may interfere with osseointegration.

Dental implants can be life-changing appliances, and successfully navigating the healing process gives patients a better chance of enjoying those benefits for decades.

For additional information, contact Smiles Unlimited Dental Centre, serving Vancouver and surrounding areas, to schedule your dental implant consultation today.