Side Effects and Diet: What to Know After Receiving Dental Implants

Dental implants in Orlando have proven to be one of the most effective tooth replacement solutions out there. Not only are they natural-looking, long-lasting, and reliable, but they make it easy to enjoy many of your favorite foods! However, once the implants have been placed, it’s important to follow all aftercare tips from the implant dentist. This way, your recovery can be as smooth as possible. To reduce your risk of any complications, take the following facts and tips into consideration.

Common Side Effects Following Dental Implant Treatment

Just like with any oral surgery, it’s normal to experience some side effects. This includes minor discomfort, swelling, and even bruising of the cheeks. During the actual treatment, you’ll receive enough anesthetic to avoid feeling anything. However, once this anesthetic wears off, discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medications.

Swelling is considered to be a natural reaction for the body following oral surgery and should go away on its own as the mouth heals. With that said, proper planning of your dental implant placement makes the risk of complications extremely low. After all, dental implants have success rates that fall between 95 and 98%, even after 10 years of use.

Foods to Avoid Immediately After Treatment

Dental implants make it easy to enjoy your favorite foods again, but that doesn’t mean you should start eating whatever you want immediately after surgery. For example, the following foods should be avoided until your implants have had a chance to heal:

• Hot or spicy foods – These foods can irritate the incisions where the implants were placed.
• Alcohol – Drinking alcohol can both delay the healing process and also has a tendency to increase swelling and discomfort.
• Chewy or sticky foods – Since foods like popcorn, chips, nuts, crackers, and candy require a lot of chewing, they can put stress on your incision site. Small pieces of food debris can also get trapped in this vulnerable area, leading to infection.

With that said, there are many ways to prepare your diet following implant surgery. Consider the following options for a smooth recovery process over the next several days after treatment, such as:

• Applesauce
• Broth-based soups
• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Instant oatmeal (just make sure to wait a few days before doing so as oats can mildly irritate your gums)

Additional Tips for a Steady Recovery

To ensure your implants heal as intended, it’s best to:

• Avoid touching the surgical site as much as possible.
• Never use tobacco products.
• Avoid the surgical site when brushing.
• Use a saltwater mix two to three times a day to keep the site clean.
• Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes, then wait an additional 20 minutes before applying again during the first 24 hours following surgery. This works to reduce swelling.
• Avoid strenuous exercise until you get permission from the implant dentist to restart. With that said, light exercises like yoga, stretching, and walking are not only safer but can improve healing.

Like any oral surgery, the recovery period is just as important as the planning phase. Taking care of your investment today will provide huge dividends tomorrow and beyond!

About the Author

Dr. John E. Russo not only holds many years of experience placing and restoring dental implants, but his practice offers the latest dental technology to ensure your future tooth replacement is successful, predictable, and comfortable every step of the way. To learn more about his many dental implant options or schedule your first consultation, you can contact him through his website.