Dental implants are wonderful devices that restore the appearance and functionality of a healthy smile. Dental implants are much stronger, more durable, and more practical than other alternatives for missing teeth, such as dentures. While your new dental implant will improve your life, there are a few things to keep in mind while you prepare for oral surgery. Here are three tips for preparing for your new dental implant:
Prepare Meals Ahead of Time
While you will not likely be in much pain after your dental implant surgery, your mouth will be tender and a bit sore for at least a few days. On the day of your surgery, you may also be a bit groggy from the sedation and pain medication and not feel up to cooking. For these reasons, it's a good idea to prepare meals and snacks ahead of time that you can easily eat during your recovery.
Food like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, pudding, yogurt, soft pasta, and healthy green smoothies are great options. You can either prepare complete meals ahead of time or just prep the ingredients. Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or spicy until your mouth has fully healed.
Plan to Rest a Lot
While dental implant surgery is a relatively minor surgery, it's still surgery. Your body will need time to rest while your mouth heals. Plan to take a few days off from work and other major responsibilities. Load up on new books and movies and plan to get plenty of sleep. It's also a good idea to ask loved ones for extra help when it comes to tasks like childcare, walking your dog, cleaning, and errands. A great deal of healing takes place while you're asleep, so don't be shy about taking naps during this time.
Manage Swelling
Your mouth and face may be a bit swollen after your dental implant surgery, but this should subside within a few days. To manage and help reduce swelling, your oral surgeon will recommend that you use an ice pack covered with a cloth applied to your jaw at regular intervals throughout the day. They may prescribe a special facial ice pack that straps around your chin to keep your hands-free. Pain relievers can also help manage swelling while also keeping you comfortable and free of major pain.
By following these tips and working with an experienced oral surgeon, you will have a comfortable time recovering from your dental implant surgery.
