While the dental office is sure to tell you all about the steps you should take after dental implant surgery, there are also certain habits you should avoid, especially right after your implants are placed. It’s crucial to treat your dental implants gently following your surgery as it will make a big difference in the long-term health of your smile. To learn about the most common habits to avoid after treatment, keep reading!
Smoking or Using Tobacco
In order for dental implants to remain stable, they undergo a process known as osseointegration. This is the process in which the titanium post integrates with bone tissue. Smoking, chewing, or consuming tobacco in any way is detrimental to the healing process of the dental implant, which is why it’s essential to avoid these substances at all costs after your surgery. In fact, it’s a great excuse to quit for good.
Rinsing Your Mouth Excessively
When a dental implant is placed, a small blood clot forms over the treatment site that covers the bone as well as the post itself. Rinsing your mouth with excessive force can cause this clot to come loose, resulting in excessive oral bleeding. When practicing oral hygiene, be sure to gently rinse your mouth rather than spitting it out when you’re done. Allow it to slowly flow out of your mouth over the sink to prevent disturbing the implant site.
Vigorous Exercise
When you exercise, you increase blood flow to your implant site. This can increase the risk of bleeding around the implant area. For that reason, you should avoid any heavy labor or strenuous activities for the next two to three days after surgery. Use this time to rest instead.
Hot Foods and Beverages
While you may already know to keep to a soft diet following oral surgery, it’s also important to keep temperature in mind as well. Eating foods that are hot or spicy (as well as hot beverages) can negatively impact healing.
Tough or Crunchy Foods
As you adjust to a regular diet, it’s best to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where your implant is located until you feel comfortable. In the meantime, make an effort to avoid any foods that are hard, tough, or crunchy. Eating these foods can irritate your implant site and even trigger bleeding (or cause stitches to come out before they are ready).
Using a Straw
When using a straw to drink fluids, the suction your mouth creates can easily dislodge the blood clot formed over the implant site. Dry socket can develop as a result, which is a very painful condition that can be easily avoided. Skip carbonated beverages as well to prevent irritating the gum tissue surrounding the implant.
Got another question regarding your dental implant treatment? Don’t be afraid to reach out to a dentist for additional guidance!
About Papageorgiou Dental Associates
The dentists of Papageorgiou Dental Associates are highly experienced in dental implant placement and more than prepared to walk you through the best aftercare steps to take following your treatment. Dr. Singh, who is a board-certified periodontist, holds the training and expertise to ensure your tooth replacement is a complete and total success. To schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.