My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.
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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
Dentist Recommending Implant Surgery? 4 Tips to Help You Have a Safe and Comfortable Recovery
Bella Snyder
If you're about to lose your teeth due to gum disease, you're not alone. Gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults. In fact, about 3.5% of adults between the ages of 20-64 have lost all their teeth. If your dentist has recommended dental implant surgery to replace your missing teeth, you'll need to be prepared for the recovery period. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions for your recovery. In addition to those, here's some information that will help you during your recovery period.
Reduce the Swelling
After your surgery, you'll experience some swelling in your face and jaw. Depending on the amount of work your dentist needs to perform – bone grafting, etc. – you may notice a significant amount of swelling. You can reduce the swelling by avoiding strenuous activities, getting plenty of rest, and applying ice to your face and jaw.
While you're preparing for surgery, take the time to make a few reusable ice packs. Fill several 1-gallon resealable baggies with 2-cups of water and 1-cup of rubbing alcohol. Place the baggies in the freezer and leave them there until you need them. The alcohol will prevent the water from freezing to a solid state. Instead, the solution will remain at a soft slush consistency. Place the ice packs on your face and leave them there for about 15-20 minutes at a time. If the cold is uncomfortable on your skin, wrap the baggies in a soft cloth before using.
Control the Bleeding
After your surgery, you'll notice some bleeding around your gums. Don't panic. Bleeding is a normal part of the recovery process.
Minor Oozing
If you notice blood oozing from around the base of your implants, bite down on a piece of sterile gauze. Don't bite down too hard though. Biting too hard could cause additional bleeding and pain.
Continued Bleeding
If you the gauze doesn't seem to be slowing down the bleeding, it's time to switch to tea bags. Soak a tea bag in water for several minutes. Once it's saturated, place the tea bag between your gums and the side of your mouth. Keep the tea bag in place for about 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
See the Dentist
After your implant surgery, you need to be aware of problems that could occur. If you develop increased pain, or you notice severe bleeding from your gums, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. It's also important to watch for signs of infection, which include fever, increased redness, and swelling in your face and gums.
For more information on dental implants, talk to a dentist like those at Cloverleaf Dental Center.
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