You finally made that big decision that you need dental implants.  Maybe you've lost several teeth as an adult or maybe you had very crooked and deformed teeth that you wanted to replace.  Whatever your reasons may be, the day of the surgery is coming up and you're wondering what you should expect from the surgery and the recovery that comes afterwards.  Keep reading this article and you'll learn 5 helpful tips for recovery after dental implants.

Dental implants are an ideal solution for people who have a missing tooth or teeth, but have good dental health in every other way.  Implants are strong and natural looking and can improve general oral health, allowing the patient to bite and chew normally, improves the overall appearance of your mouth, decreases changes of gum disease and improves speech. 

How is it done?  The patient must visit either an oral surgeon or a dentist trained in implants.  A screw is surgically implanted into the bone of the jaw to hold the tooth in place.  After that implantation is healed, the dentist will place the tooth implant restoration over the screw.  For the restoration, the dentist will make an impression of the existing teeth and will then create a tooth designed specifically to fit in the space, matching the shape and size of the remaining healthy teeth.  Once the implant is placed, the dentist or oral surgeon will shape and adjust the tooth to fit your bite. 

However, after the placement of the screw in the jaw bone, your bone and the surrounding gums may be tender and swollen.  Recovery usually takes between 3 and 6 weeks.  Recovery also depends on the type and number of implants placed and the condition of your oral healthy before surgery. 

Here are some suggestions of how to combat the pains of recovery.

1.    Ibuprofen:  Yes, it always seems to be the miracle drug.  But in this situation, ibuprofen may be one of your best allies against tenderness and swelling.  Ibuprofen will reduce the swelling and help to numb the pain.  Be sure to consult your dentist or surgeon concerning your dosage.
2.     No smoking: If you are a smoker, you must avoid smoking during this period of time, as it can cause dry socket (this is when a blood clot is dislodged from a surgery site, exposing the bone and nerve endings.  The area can become infected if removed).  Smoking decreases the blood supply to that area, injures the gum tissue and the pressure of sucking removes the blood clot from the surgery site. 
3.    Avoid drinking through a straw: The sucking action from drinking through a straw can also cause dry socket
4.    Proper oral hygiene: Just like always, proper oral hygiene is essential, especially after oral surgery.  Be sure to continue brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis, with special care given to the area of the implant (be gentle).  You should also continue to eat a balanced diet.  Although for the first few days after the surgery your ability to chew on the side of your mouth where the implant is may be inhibited. 
5.    Mouthwash: Using mouthwash along with brushing may be a necessary addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.  Since you won't be able to brush the area of the implant very well, many people choose to use mouthwash in order to help clean the implant.