Understanding Your Restrictions Following Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are a prevalent surgical procedure, usually with few complications. This procedure is a multi-step process that starts with dental surgery. To be successful, the process requires your full compliance and participation. Failing to follow your dentist's instructions when you leave your surgical appointment may lead to pain and implant failure. Here are a few restrictions and reasons your dentist may place on you following the procedure.

No Smoking

One of the first questions your dentist will ask you before drawing up your treatment plan is if you smoke. If you do, your dentist will advise you to stop. Abstaining from smoking is not only for your health but also due to the risk that smoking poses to your oral health and a successful implant. 

Smokers have increased plaque accumulation and higher levels of tooth loss, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Smoking will also negatively affect your healing and osseointegration, a critical part of the grafting procedure. 

Avoid Hot Foods Or Drinks

You may be in trouble if you can not make it through the day without a cup of hot steaming coffee. For several days following your dental implant surgery, your dentist will advise you to avoid hot foods or drinks.

Both hot food and drink can irritate your oral tissues and your surgical site, which in turn will slow down your recovery. Certain spices may even increase your chances of infection. Consume warm or room temperature foods, and avoid heavily seasoned foods.

Avoid Hard Fruits And Vegetables

Do not replace your spicy foods with hard fruits or vegetables. Hard fruits and vegetables include the following:

• Carrots
• Raw celery
• Raw broccoli
• Raw cauliflower
• Apples
• Pears

These also run the risk of irritating your surgical site and could damage your stitches. Stick to soft fruits and vegetables, or cook the raw vegetables to a softer consistency. Think about consuming bananas, apple sauce, string beans, greens, or peas. 

Avoid Alcohol

Your dentist will also advise you to avoid alcohol for a period following your implant surgery. Abstaining from alcohol helps you avoid delaying or dislodging the clot that needs to form at your surgical site. If you dislodge the clot too soon, you can develop a very painful condition called dry socket. 

Alcohol can also impede your body's natural healing ability and increase your risk of developing an infection. Consume plenty of water in place of the alcohol. Increased hydration will promote better healing. 

Contact your dentist for more information about dental implants.