Dental implants restore missing teeth using titanium implant posts. Once you have fully recovered from dental implant surgery, Dr. Helen Ragsdale will place a custom dental crown that perfectly matches your natural teeth. To schedule your dental implant consultation at our Austin, TX clinic, call us at 512-346-4690.
The dental implant treatment timeline can last several months. In order to ensure that you have a full and healthy recovery, Dr. Ragsdale offers these tips.
Dental Implant Recovery Tips
In the days following your dental implant placement, it is generally advised to avoid:
- Using a straw
- Touching or disturbing the surgery site
- Brushing harshly
- Drinking hot liquids
- Smoking or consuming alcohol
Plan a Recover Room
As with any surgery that requires a day or two of full rest, having a recovery room can help ensure that the days after your surgery are restful. The idea behind a restroom is to have everything you need ready so you do not have to drive or leave your home while you heal. If Dr. Ragsdale prescribes medication, you can take the prescription to a pharmacy before your surgery.
You should start stocking your recovery room (which can be any bedroom at your home or at a friend or relative’s home) in the days before your dental implant placement. Also, notify close friends and family members that you are undergoing minor surgery. Should you need their help, this step will save you from having to explain your situation later.
The following are commonly stocked supplies:
- Prescription medication
- Loose clothing
- Soft foods
- Liquids
- Clean linen
- Books/movies/entertainment
- Emergency contact information
These tips can help in the weeks and months following your implant placement.
- Carefully follow Dr. Ragsdale’s recovery guidelines
- Attend every follow-up appointment
- Notify Dr. Ragsdale or our office if you experience the sudden onset of pain near your implant
- Eat a nutritious plant-based diet
- Refrain from smoking
- Cut back on alcohol consumption
- Avoid strenuous activity until Dr. Ragsdale gives the OK
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits
Recovery from dental implant surgery generally takes four to six months. Once you have fully recovered, Dr. Ragsdale will schedule a time to have your new dental crown placed. While dental implant failure is very rare, it is important to understand the risk factors that can lead to implant failure.
Infection and inadequate jawbone density are two common causes of implant failure. If you use tobacco products, you are at higher risk of infection. Tobacco can also lower jawbone density in many patients. Remember, any activity that is good for your overall health will be good for the healing of jawbone following surgery. Once your implant has fused with the surrounding jawbone tissue, the implant should last a lifetime.
Contact our Austin Practice for Information on Dental Implants!
If you want to restore missing teeth using dental implants, schedule a consultation with Austin Laser Dentist’s Dr. Helen Ragsdale. We have placed and restored missing teeth with dental implants for thousands of our patients for over the past 25 years.
Our practice is proud to offer the newest restorative dentistry techniques and treatments. Contact our practice today to schedule your consultation.
