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Dental implant surgery can be intimidating for some patients, especially if they haven’t had much dental work done in the past. At Trillium Dental, our family dentists understand that any type of oral surgery can be nerve-wracking for patients, especially when it comes to procedures involving dental sedation, like dental implant surgery, wisdom tooth removals, and root canals. That being said, the more you know about the procedure, the better you can plan ahead for a smooth recovery. If you’re getting dental implants, follow these tips after your surgery:

IMMEDIATE RECOVERY

Immediately after your dental implant surgery, you won’t feel any pain until the anesthesia wears off. Your dentist will prescribe a pain medication for you to take in the days after your surgery, and you should take the first one before the anesthetic wears off to avoid any discomfort. You’ll also need to bite down on the gauze packs and refrain from removing them for at least an hour after the dental implant procedure. Some postoperative bleeding is normal, so be sure to keep pressure on the site until it subsides. Change out the gauze as necessary for the remainder of the day, typically every 30 minutes to an hour.

On the day of your dental implant surgery, you’ll need to exercise caution around the surgical site. Don’t fuss with the area, and make sure to avoid any vigorous rinsing or chewing (soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies are fine — just don’t use a straw). However, it is incredibly important that you stay on top of your oral hygiene after your surgery, as bacteria can enter the surgical site and cause infections if you don’t brush your teeth. Our dentists recommend brushing your teeth gently on the night of your appointment, being extra careful around the surgical site. After 24 hours, you can gently rinse your mouth with saltwater two to three times per day to keep the area clean.

Another important part of dental implant recovery is taking it easy. Limit your activity to lying on the couch and watching your favorite movies, as any bending, lifting, or excessive movement can increase bleeding and swelling. Excess movement can also cause you more pain and prolong the recovery period. For a speedy recovery, avoid any form of exercise or work for at least four days after your surgery. If you experience additional swelling or pain, apply an ice pack to the area in 20-minute increments (this should be done throughout the first 24 hours of surgery).

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

FIRST WEEK RECOVERY

As your mouth begins to heal, you can start brushing your teeth normally again and resume your oral hygiene routine. Still, avoid vigorous brushing, but be as thorough as possible. The best way to ensure a quick recovery is to keep the area near the surgical site clean and free of infections. Continue to do salt water rinses several times per day, rinsing gently without swishing or spitting.

You can also integrate more foods back into your diet after a few days, including only the foods that you feel comfortable eating. Bread, noodles, and eggs are great, as are mashed potatoes, oatmeal, fish, rice, and other soft foods. Try to avoid applying excessive pressure to your newly implanted teeth, as this can cause more pain and discomfort. Trust that soon enough, you’ll be able to eat whatever you want!

A few days after your dental implant surgery, you can start moving about the house a bit more. Be careful when walking up and down the stairs just in case you feel lightheaded from the medication or from being tired. Stay hydrated and go on short walks if you feel up for it after three to four days on the couch, and avoid any vigorous exercise for at least a week after oral surgery. If you needed an excuse to relax and take it easy, this is it.

GET DENTAL IMPLANTS IN OTTAWA

If you are missing teeth or have damaged teeth in need of replacing, dental implants might be right for you. Contact our family dentists at Trillium Dental in Ottawa to schedule an appointment, or book a consultation online. Our dentists would be happy to meet you and assess whether you would be a good candidate for dental implants, as well as outline the process for same-day dental implants. We’ll also go over the dental implant cost in order to determine the right payment plan for you. Ready to get a beautiful, functional smile in less than a day? Give us a call to learn about our Smile-In-A-Day dental implants!

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Have you ever dreamed of having straighter teeth? Maybe you’re self conscious about the appearance of your smile, or you have a hard time brushing and flossing thoroughly because you have crooked teeth. Perhaps you suffer from TMJ pain, and you’ve been told that your misaligned jaw has a lot to do with your bite. Whatever your reason may be, you’re not alone in wanting straight teeth. At Trillium Dental, we offer Invisalign® for patients who want a more attractive smile without having to get braces. Here are just a few of the many benefits of having straight teeth!

HEALTHIER GUMS

The health of your teeth and gums goes hand-in-hand — after all, they are neighbors! If you have crowded or crooked teeth, this creates tight spaces between the teeth that are often hard to reach when you brush and floss your teeth, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. You’ll notice that the gums in these areas become tender and inflamed when you try to reach them, ultimately leading to swollen, bleeding gums. Straightening your teeth via Invisalign or braces is a great way to open up these spaces a bit more, encouraging the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth in a healthier way. The best part? People who have straight teeth are less likely to develop gingivitis and gum disease.

REDUCED TMJ PAIN

Many people who have crooked teeth also suffer from disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Common symptoms of TMJ disorders are jaw pain, a popping or clicking jaw, headaches, soreness in the ears and facial muscles, a grinding noise when you chew, and restricted jaw movement. If you are experiencing any of these TMJ symptoms, straightening your teeth may help. Both Invisalign and traditional braces address alignment issues in the mouth, including overbites, underbites, and cross bites, which have a direct impact on TMJ function.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

BETTER OVERALL HEALTH

As previously mentioned, crooked teeth can lead to gum disease, which is a serious health condition that can be life-threatening. This is because the mouth is “vascular,” meaning that it is connected to many other organs in the body via the bloodstream. If your teeth are crooked and you’ve developed gum disease, the bacteria in the infected gums can make its way to your heart and other vital systems if the gums bleed. That being said, straightening your teeth is not only a good way to reduce your risk of developing gum disease, but also serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

IMPROVED CONFIDENCE

The benefits of straight teeth are not all physical — in fact, straighter teeth come with lots of mental and emotional benefits as well. The most obvious of these is enhanced self-esteem, self-image, and overall confidence. Many people with crooked teeth are hesitant to smile around others because they are embarrassed about the appearance of their teeth. This is understandable, as your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If you have beautiful, straight teeth that you’re proud of, you’ll look and feel more attractive, making you less reluctant to hiding your pearly whites around others.

INCREASED HAPPINESS

With improved self-image, self-esteem, and confidence comes increased happiness overall. When you don’t feel like you have to hide your smile around others, you’ll be able to fully enjoy life’s special moments, such as greeting a friend, laughing at a joke, singing to your favorite song, or just grinning out of pure joy. Studies show that a genuine smile has a huge impact on your mood, releasing “feel good” hormones in your brain and making you feel at ease. Now, multiply that by however many people you’re currently with, because smiles are contagious. Just think about all the joy you’re spreading now that you have beautiful, straight teeth!

BOOK AN INVISALIGN CONSULTATION AT OUR OTTAWA DENTAL CLINIC

Of course, there are many other benefits of straight teeth that we didn’t touch on in this blog, but we’re leaving those for you to experience for yourself! As a family dental clinic in Ottawa, we’re here to help you get the straight smile you’ve always wanted so you can maintain good health, confidence, and happiness in life. Contact Trillium Dental today to find a dental office near you, or book an appointment with us online!

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Gum disease can crop up at any time, bringing painful symptoms with it. As with many other health conditions, prevention is key when it comes to gingivitis and periodontal disease. At Trillium Dental, we encourage patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits and make regular trips to their family dentist for professional teeth cleanings. Contact us today to schedule a dental checkup, or continue reading for some tips to keep your gums healthy!

BRUSH YOUR TEETH

Your gums hold your teeth in place, protecting the tooth roots from infection. When your teeth accumulate food particles and bacteria, it turns into plaque, attacking the tooth enamel and surrounding oral tissues. Therefore, one of the best ways to keep your gums healthy is by brushing your teeth twice per day, for at least two minutes each time. Make sure to reach all the nooks and crannies of your teeth, including the ridges in the molars and the backsides of your upper and lower teeth.

FLOSS YOUR TEETH

Another obvious way to keep your gums healthy is to floss your teeth at least once per day. Food loves to hide in the crevices between your teeth, especially pieces of meat, popcorn kernels, fruit seeds, and sticky candy. To ensure that your teeth and gums are free of food particles and plaque, floss between each tooth in a side-to-side motion. If your gums bleed easily, this may be a sign of a gum infection or poor gum health, which can be improved with regular flossing and brushing.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

DON’T SMOKE

Tobacco use is one of the main causes of gum disease, as well as coronary heart disease, oral cancer, and lots of other life-threatening health conditions. Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco is a sure-fire way to inflict damage on your gums, so refrain from smoking if you haven’t taken up the habit. If you do smoke, now you have one more reason to quit!

USE FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE & THERAPEUTIC MOUTHWASH

If you are prone to developing periodontitis due to genetic factors or lifestyle habits, you can never be too cautious when it comes to oral hygiene. Fluoride toothpastes are great at fighting bacteria and plaque, thus helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Therapeutic mouthwashes also make a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, as they reduce plaque and flush out food particles.

VISIT THE DENTIST

Once plaque turns into tartar, it really starts to eat away at the tooth enamel and irritate the gums. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional with the right equipment, such as a dental scaler or gum lasering tool. To prevent plaque from hardening and turning into tartar, make sure to visit your local dental clinic twice per year for a professional dental cleaning. Our family dentists have years of experience providing dental exams and periodontal treatments, and we’d love to see you at our dental office! If you are due for a routine teeth cleaning, contact Trillium Dental in Ottawa today to set up an appointment or make an appointment online!

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If you read part one of this blog series, you know how to control bleeding after wisdom tooth removal surgery, as well as the importance of staying hydrated and taking your medication. Here, our dentists will provide a few more tips to get you on the fast track to recovery in the days after your oral surgery. Contact Trillium Dental in Ottawa if you have specific questions about our wisdom tooth extractions, or schedule an appointment today at our family dental clinic!

HOME RECOVERY

RESTRICT ACTIVITY

As mentioned in our last blog post, you’ll need to take a few days to recover without any vigorous activity or exercise after your surgery. This allows your body to focus on healing the surgical site, which should only take a few days. During this time, watch all your favorite movies, get lots of rest, and only move around when necessary. Most people take three to four days off work after their wisdom tooth removal so they can recover fully before returning to normal activities.

STAY AWAY FROM SOLID FOODS

It is essential to stay away from solid foods during your wisdom tooth recovery, as hard foods that require lots of chewing can prolong the healing process. Smoothies, protein shakes, soup, and yogurt are all great foods to eat after your surgery, as are applesauce, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and ice cream. If you’re drinking lots of smoothies, juices, and shakes, make sure to drink directly out of the glass instead of using a straw, which can cause the blood clots to dislodge and restart the healing process. Trust us — wisdom tooth dry sockets are not something to gamble with!

RINSE YOUR MOUTH (BUT NOT TOO MUCH)

Cleanliness is also critical for a speedy wisdom tooth recovery. After you eat, gently clean the area with a cup of warm salt water, or rinse out the surgical site with a water syringe. Make sure you get any food out of the crevices without swishing the water too vigorously, as this can cause dry sockets as well. Ideally, you should be rinsing your mouth at least five times per day to keep the area as clean as possible and avoid wisdom tooth infections. Also, make sure you’re still brushing your teeth to eliminate any bad mouth bacteria, just do so gently and make sure to avoid the stitches behind your back molars.

USE AN ICE PACK

Many patients experience swelling after wisdom tooth extraction, which can be reduced with regular icing and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like iBuprofen. Mild bruising is also expected, which is just part of the body’s natural healing process. To avoid too much swelling and bruising, ice constantly for the first two days after your wisdom tooth removal, and take iBuprofen as needed.

SCHEDULE YOUR WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION IN OTTAWA

Now that you have a few tips to help you speed up your wisdom tooth recovery, it’s time to schedule your appointment. Contact Trillium Dental for more information about wisdom tooth extractions, or book your appointment with us online!

Wisdom tooth removal is a right of passage that many teens and young adults must go through, though it isn’t the most fun transition into adulthood. In fact, many people dread wisdom tooth extractions, partly due to the anesthesia, and partially because of the recovery period. We’ll be the first to say that wisdom tooth removal isn’t always a walk in the park, but there are many things you can do to help speed up your recovery post-surgery.

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our oral surgeons perform wisdom tooth extractions and provide patients with all the materials they need for wisdom tooth removal aftercare. Here are a few aftercare tips to ensure a speedy recovery after your wisdom tooth removal:

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

CONTROL BLEEDING

When you come out of wisdom tooth surgery, it is completely normal to experience some bleeding for the next few hours. However, you may still be in a state of confusion until the anesthesia completely wears off, so make sure not to mess with the gauze. You also won’t be able to drive, so arrange for a friend or family member to transport you to and from your appointment. They’ll know to watch and make sure you don’t fuss with the gauze, as well as what to do if the bleeding gets worse.

Bleeding tends to worsen if the patient chews on the gauze in their mouth, and this also increases the risk of injury to the numb areas of the mouth. To avoid excessive bleeding, refrain from chewing on the gauze or exploring the surgical site with your tongue. If bleeding becomes worse, switch out the gauze and bite down on it for half an hour. Exercise or excessive movement also stimulates blood flow, so these activities should be avoided for several days.

STAY HYDRATED

It is also very important to drink lots of water after you come out of anesthesia because you are likely to be dehydrated and feel dizzy. Patients are prohibited from eating or drinking any liquids eight hours before their wisdom tooth extraction, as nausea and vomiting are two common side effects of general anesthesia as well as many of the pain medications that are prescribed post-surgery. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, sip on some ginger ale, soda, or tea, and avoid drinking out of a straw — this can cause blood clots to be dislodged, creating the dreaded wisdom tooth dry sockets.

TAKE PAIN MEDICATION & ANTIBIOTICS

Another thing to be wary of is that the pain following wisdom tooth removals can creep up on patients, hitting them suddenly when the anesthesia wears off. To avoid this, our dentists recommend picking up your pain medication from the pharmacy on your way home from our dental clinic. That way, you can take a pill and settle into your couch or bed before you feel any discomfort. Antibiotics are also prescribed to prevent wisdom tooth infections, which can be very painful and unpleasant. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed on the label and be sure to finish out the medication.

SCHEDULE A WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL IN OTTAWA

Wondering what tips we have for the days following your wisdom tooth extraction? Continue to part two of this blog series, or contact Trillium Dental to schedule your wisdom tooth removal in Ottawa!