Dental implants are excellent for permanently replacing one or more missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, implants are tiny metal rods that bond to your jawbone as a permanent tooth root replacement. However, the implants require surgery and a recovery period that can last three to six months before you receive your replacement teeth. If you're considering dental implants as your solution to tooth loss, you can improve your recovery efforts by following a few steps. 

How to Boost Your Dental Implant Recovery

1. Embrace a Soft Food-Based Nutritious Diet

Though your dentist or oral surgeon will administer an anesthetic before the surgery to maximize your comfort during the procedure, you will feel discomfort the first few days after getting dental implants. Eating certain foods could irritate the surgical site. It would be best to stick to soft foods packed with nutrients during the first 48 hours after surgery, such as protein shakes and steamed vegetables. Eating nutritious foods ensures your body has enough vital nutrients to heal properly. 

2. Avoid Straws

When drinking smoothies and soft drinks, you might use a straw. However, you should not drink from straws after dental surgery. Any time you have an oral wound, it will develop a blood clot. The blood clot needs to be around the surgical site to stop the bleeding and protect the nerves and tissues around the affected area. Using straws creates a suction that could dislodge the clot and slow your recovery.

3. Rinse With Salt Water

While recovering from dental implants, regularly rinse your mouth with salt water instead of mouthwash. Salt water helps decrease oral bacteria without irritating the incision. The solution is also soothing and helps eliminate discomfort around the surgical site. To make the salt water solution, add 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Allow the salt to dissolve, then gently swish it around your mouth. Spit the water out when you're done rinsing your mouth. 

The North Chautauqua Dental PC dentists and staff are some of the leading providers of family and cosmetic dentistry services in Dunkirk, NY. Since 1980, their team has provided a wide range of comprehensive dental services, including dental implants, teeth cleaning, and porcelain veneers. You can also receive emergency dental services at their practice. Request an appointment by calling (716) 366-6822, or visit them online for more details about their services.