Mini dental implants have revolutionized the way missing teeth are addressed. In a single day, you can walk out of the dental office with a new smile and teeth that appear natural and that will be long-lasting and strong. Just as with all forms of minor dental surgery, care must be taken after the implant procedure so that you'll be able to completely enjoy your new smile. Read on to find out more about after-care for your mini-implants.

How Mini-implants Are Different

The traditional way to replace missing teeth with implants can involve multiple trips to the dentist and months of waiting. Mini-implant procedures replace all that time spent waiting for things to heal with a single one-day procedure. The titanium post used in mini-implants is a lot smaller than that of regular implants and needs no sutures. The post is placed with a tiny incision, and the entire implant is ready to go after a single appointment. This type of procedure is perfect for those with bone loss in the jaws, since the post is shorter and doesn't require as much bone to bond. Your implants still need to graft with your jawbone, but your healing time is shorter and the surgery less-invasive.

How to Care for Your Mini-implants

Your dentist is sure to give you some instructions after your implant procedure. Be sure to call your dentist immediately or head to the closest emergency room or urgent care clinic if you notice any severe pain, fever, extreme swelling, or other unusual symptoms. Follow these tips to ensure your implants heal properly without problems. Being comfortable after surgery is important to your total state of health and healing too.

1. Plan ahead – Try to take some time off work so you can rest after the procedure. All types of surgery, even minor surgeries, can impact you in surprising ways. Plan and purchase some easy meals for a few days after the surgery to reduce unnecessary trips to the store.
2. Rest a bit – Instead of your regular trips to the gym or going on a run, substitute a short walk and some gentle stretching or yoga instead. Listen to your body and take some naps when you need it. You might want to consider elevating your head a bit more when napping for the first few days if you are used to sleeping on a low pillow.
3. Eat with care – Your implant area will be sore and sensitive for a few days, and you will want to stick to soft foods when possible. That might mean smoothies, shakes, soups, and other soft foods for the time being. Check with your dentist on when you can resume eating things like steak, popcorn, candy, and other crunchy or hard foods.
4. Attend to Swelling – Some facial swelling is common, and using an ice-pack for a very short time will help.
5. Attend to Hygiene – Gentle brushing may be possible as long as you avoid the implant area. An antibacterial rinse is a good idea and won't disturb the implant area. You can floss if you avoid the implanted tooth.

For more tips and warnings about caring for your mini-implants, speak to your dentist.