Planning on getting dental implants soon to replace missing teeth? You likely have a few questions about what it will be like to recover from the procedure. Here are a few things you need to know about recovery.

Will The Sutures Need To Be Removed? 

You are going to have sutures placed in your gums during the procedure. However, it is important to ask your dentist about how those sutures need to be handled afterward. Sometimes a dentist will use a dissolving suture, which goes away on its own over time. Other sutures will need to be removed and will require a return visit after a couple of weeks to do so.

What Activities Should You Avoid?  

You'll need to take extra care of the surgical site to ensure that it heals properly. It is best to avoid using a water flosser since the water pressure can be strong enough to cause problems with your gums while they are very sensitive. You will also want to avoid massaging the area through your cheeks since it is best to just leave it alone. This is especially true if you have a bone graft procedure performed since it should be left alone to give you the best chance of it being successful. 

What Changes Should You Make To Eating?

You'll want to stick to softer foods and take smaller bites after getting dental implants. If you only received dental implants on one side of your mouth, try using the other side at first so that you avoid irritating the surgical site. If you had implants placed on both sides, you'll need to stick to a soft food diet that your dentist will tell you more about. 

How Do You Brush Your Teeth Afterward?

It's incredibly important to take caution when brushing and flossing around the surgical site, and do not neglect home care just because you had surgery. Your dentist will likely instruct you on how to use a mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean when you can't brush the surgical site. It will also be a good idea to use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid accidentally irritating the surgical site.

How Can You Help The Surgical Site Heal?

Your body can benefit from having more vitamin D to promote healing. If you do not get enough vitamin D, consider taking supplements that can boost your vitamin D levels. If you are very low on vitamin D, your dentist may even prescribe you a vitamin D medication that includes a high concentration of the vitamin to boost your levels.