Dental Care and Special Needs: Planning for Success

Posted on: 26 July 2018

Putting in an implant is a surgical procedure that may involve cutting of tissue, removal of bone, etc. Once all the work is done, the site where the work was done will need time to heal. Healing of implants isn't guaranteed, unfortunately. In other cases, the implant may heal, but it may not do so correctly. This can cause swelling and discomfort, especially near the site of the implant.

Although there are factors that can't be controlled, e.g., autoimmune diseases, there are many other things that patients can do to help in the healing of their dental implants.

Avoid Hard and/or Sweet Foods

While you're still recovering from the surgery, you should avoid hard foods as much as possible. These include nuts, corn on the cob, ice, etc. Hard foods can cause the implant to shift, and this can prevent it from bonding to the jawbone. Sweet foods feed the bacteria in the mouth that cause dental decay. This can also interfere with the healing process.

Maintain Good Oral Health

The site of the implant will especially susceptible to bacteria. Therefore, you must maintain good oral health to give the implant a chance of healing properly. This means proper brushing and regular brushing of the teeth. Flossing should also be done at least once every day. Good oral health means healthy gums, and this makes it easier for the implant to heal.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking can significantly slow down your healing after implant surgery. It has been noted that smokers are at a higher risk of implant failure. This is because the smoke interferes with the blood flow. Smoking can also result in the loss of bone and gum tissue. Therefore, it's a good idea to stay away from cigarettes during the healing period.

Eat Healthy Foods

It's not that your dental health that affects the healing of the implant but your overall body health as well. This is why you need to keep your entire body healthy while you implant heals. An important part of this is eating the right kinds of foods. Although there are specific foods that you can eat to promote healing, the most important thing is to eat a balanced diet.

Talk to the Specialist in Case of Any Complication

Ensure you consult your specialist if there are any complications while you recover. A quick response can correct the problem before there is complete implant failure.