Are you planning to get dental implants to help deal with tooth loss? If so, know that this procedure is both an effective and safe way to restore missing teeth. The process involves the surgical implantation of a titanium post into your jawbone, which will support a dental crown that resembles and works like a natural tooth.

Before you undergo the procedure, it is important to understand what will be expected during recovery. These tips can help with the overall healing process after receiving dental implants.

Follow All Instructions from Your Dentist

It is common for your dentist to give you detailed instructions about how to care for your dental implants during the first few days after the procedure. Make sure you follow your dentist's directions precisely, and do not stray from them without consulting your dentist.

For example, a common mistake is not taking your entire course of antibiotics because you feel that the surgical site is no longer painful. The purpose of taking an antibiotic isn't pain control; it's to prevent an infection from occurring, and not taking the whole prescription can allow an infection to form down the road.

Use Ice Packs

Another mistake people make is applying heat to their face to deal with the pain. During a recovery process where there is swelling involved, you actually want to use cold temperatures to help reduce swelling. Be prepared to use ice packs in order to keep swelling down, and never apply heat to the area as an alternative. The ice may feel cold, but it's doing its job.

Some patients prefer to create homemade ice packs by placing 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part water into a sealed bag. Allow the bag to chill inside a freezer for a couple hours. You'll notice that the alcohol actually prevents water from completely freezing, creating a very cold slushy solution that conforms to the shape of your face.

Use a Salt Water Rinse

You should keep the surgical site clean while it is healing by using a homemade salt water rinse. Just mix 1 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of water together in a cup, and then swish it around inside your mouth before spitting it back out. You can do this multiple times during the day to keep the surgery site clean, especially after meals.

Meet with your dentist for more tips about healing after your dental implant surgery. You may be surprised at how much a few simple tips can help you out.