New dental implants? How do you adjust to them?

Dental implants have quickly become one of the most popular options for tooth replacement. They’re an excellent choice for a wide range of cases, and could be perfect for restoring your smile to its former glory! 

However, there is an adjustment period after getting new dental implants that you’ll need to be aware of. Here are five easy steps you can take to make getting used to them much easier:

1. Start With Soft Foods

Eating is one of the most significant challenges during the initial recovery period following any restorative dentistry treatment. After dental implant surgery and placement, in particular, you may experience soreness and sensitivity. And even after those feelings abate, eating with dental implants can still feel different from your natural teeth.

Going on a soft diet for at least the first few days after implant placement goes a long way to minimize discomfort. Soft foods will reduce the pressure on your dental implants when chewing and minimize strain on your jaw. 

If you have multiple dental implants or have had a full arch restoration completed, the transition may be a bit more jarring. However, starting with soft foods and gradually introducing tougher items into your diet will let you transition more smoothly. After a bit, you’ll be biting and chewing just as if you had a full mouth of natural teeth.

2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is important for everyone, especially after a procedure like dental implant placement. Your dentist will provide specific instructions to follow through your recovery period, which may include using an antibiotic mouthwash to prevent infection. You may also need to avoid directly brushing the affected area for the first few days of recovery. After that, brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush will prevent any discomfort or soreness.

Flossing may see some of the biggest adjustments after getting dental implants. It’s still essential to prevent plaque accumulation, but your technique may have to change to properly handle your implants. Options such as floss picks and water flossers are excellent choices to ensure complete coverage.

3. Gradually Return to Normal Eating Habits

It’s important not to rush when returning to your normal eating habits. Putting too much stress on your new dental implants during recovery may cause soreness and discomfort. You literally don’t want to bite off more than you can chew.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you must watch out for any particularly hard foods in your diet, such as nuts and some types of candy. While dental implants are incredibly strong, the crowns or full arch replacements they support may be susceptible to damage. Ensure you avoid using your teeth for anything aside from eating, too, such as opening packaging or chewing ice.

4. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers if Necessary

While some discomfort is to be expected after implant placement, most patients experience a relatively straightforward recovery. Over-the-counter pain relievers are one potential option to deal with discomfort during recovery, but it’s important to ask your dentist about the proper type and dose.

Cold compresses or ice packs are another great means of relieving pain and swelling. A rinse containing one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water is also a safe and effective way to achieve immediate relief.

5. Keep Regular Follow-Up Appointments With Your Dentist

Make sure to keep up with routine appointments after any extensive dentistry treatment, including tooth implants. Your regular dentist may have referred you to a specialist for your implant surgery. What kind of dentist does tooth implants? Typically, an oral or maxillofacial surgeon will handle their placement, but your follow-ups will probably be with your regular dentist.

Immediate post-treatment follow-ups are essential to monitor your recovery and identify any potential complications. Gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and other factors dramatically increase the risk of infection. Your follow-up appointments will ensure that any infection is identified and treated as soon as possible.

It’s also vital that you maintain routine visits long after your recovery. Everyone should visit the dentist once every six months, but that’s especially true if you have dental implants. Your dentist will monitor any signs of wear or damage to your dental implants. Early intervention helps protect both your dental implants and your oral health.

Find out more about dental implants in Boise, Idaho.

Whether you are missing one, several, or all of your natural teeth, dental implants could be the answer to restoring the appearance, function, and long-term health of your smile. Staley Dental is your dental office near Boise, Idaho, for a full range of restorative dentistry treatment options, including dental implants. Schedule a consultation today to find out more.