When getting a tooth implant, you can look forward to regaining a strong, healthy smile. However, how you treat the piece following surgery is critical to recovery and the procedure’s success. Your dentist will offer care advice to ensure the healing process goes smoothly, so listen closely to their instructions and follow the tips below.

How to Promote a Successful Tooth Implant

1. Treat Pain and Swelling

After a tooth implant, it’s normal to notice some swelling, bleeding, and tenderness. Treating these issues will help make the healing process easier. Wrap an ice pack in a paper towel or clean rag, then apply it to your face at 20-minute intervals. Don’t be alarmed if the swelling worsens because it will likely peak within two or three days.

A little blood in your saliva after a tooth implant is common and should not persist for more than a day. Contact the dentist if the bleeding continues. To ease discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. A dental professional can also prescribe pain medication if necessary.

2. Avoid Hot and Hard Foods

Excessive heat can irritate the mouth tissue healing around the implant, so steer clear of hot foods and beverages post-surgery. You should be able to consume them again in three or four days. 

Still, eating hard and chewy items will also be challenging until the implant fully heals, as they can damage it. Instead, stick to soft, cool foods and drinks. Drinking water right after the surgery can be soothing as well as hydrating.

3. Brush Your Teeth Gently

Taking care of the tooth implant helps ensure it lasts as long as possible. However, you’ll need to be careful when brushing and flossing. You can avoid the implant for a few days following the procedure and wait until touching the prosthesis isn’t uncomfortable. The surrounding tissue will likely be sensitive. Check with the dentist regarding when you can brush normally again. 

In the meantime, use a toothbrush with a small, round head and sensitive bristles. This kind of tool provides a more careful and precise cleaning. Additionally, do not rinse the first day you come home. Wait until the next day, when you can do it with a warm saltwater solution. Continue this practice throughout the first week after surgery. This measure can help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of infection.

Restore your smile with a quality tooth implant by visiting BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK. Their experienced dentists use the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to offer the best dental care available. They provide comprehensive oral health services, including routine exams, implants, teeth whitening, and orthodontics. Visit their website to learn more about their procedures. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 486-3257.