After undergoing dental implant surgery, your implants must fuse with the bone surrounding it. This fusion process, called osseointegration, takes several weeks in healthy mouth conditions.  Here are tips for ensuring you recover as quickly as possible during that period.  

3 Ways to Help Heal From Dental Implant Surgery Faster

1. Eat Nutritious Soft Foods 

To avoid irritating the area around your dental implant surgery site, avoid spicy and hot foods during the first 48 hours after the procedure. Generally after that, eat only soft foods that do not need much chewing, to allow your incision to begin healing. Fruit and vegetable smoothies and purées provide nutrients your body needs for healing, and are easy to consume. Use a spoon to eat these liquids, and not a straw, which can pull at your incision and interfere with the fusion process.  Non-compliance with a soft, non-chew diet will lead to failure. 

2. Get Lots of Rest

After any surgical procedure, the body needs rest to heal itself more quickly and effectively. Pushing yourself when you feel worn down slows the recovery process, especially in the first days following your dental implant surgery. Avoid vigorous activities, even if you feel better. Guard against anything that might lead to your mouth or face being hit, to reduce risk of damaging the surgical site while it heals. 

3. Use Salt Water Rinses

Salt water rinses after dental implant surgery offer soothing relief. These rinses also reduce the level of bacteria in your mouth without irritating the surgical area. For an effective rinse, combine 8 oz. of warm water with one teaspoon of salt. Swish the rinse in your mouth gently for about one-half minute, and then spit it out. Typically, rinses can be done up to four times a day, but consult your oral surgeon for personalized advice.   Your dentist may also prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash.
 

If you are planning for dental implant surgery, turn to Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS. This oral surgeon provides tooth extraction and dental implants to patients throughout Honolulu. Their practice offers high-quality services with personalized care in a relaxed atmosphere. For more about their procedures and range of services, visit the website. Call (808) 973-1433 to schedule a consultation.