Dental implants are permanent replacement teeth that are adhered to your jawline using special screws. This procedure results in a beautiful smile and teeth that you can use just like your natural teeth. Swelling and some level of pain can be expected with any dental procedure, from getting a cavity filled to getting dental implants. To reduce the swelling after having dental implants put in, there are a few things you can do to help make yourself more comfortable. Here are ways you can ease the discomfort after dental implant surgery.

Avoid solid foods

Stick to soft foods, such as yogurt, soup, and oatmeal after getting dental implants put in. This reduces the strain placed on your jaw since you won't be chewing as much. Your dentist may give you a list of foods you can eat for a few days following your dental implant procedure. As you progress to more solid foods as your swelling subsides, it's best to still avoid things such as nuts, chewing gum, and steak until your mouth has fully healed.

Use warm compress

A warm compress applied to your cheeks can help reduce pain and inflammation and improve circulation in your face after dental implants have been put in. This can help reduce any pain you have. When sleeping, place a warm compress under your neck to relax your facial muscles, which can make you feel better when you wake up in the morning.

Drink tea

Some teas have amazing anti-inflammatory properties, and many teas also help you relax following your procedure. Stock up on the following:

• green tea
• chamomile
• lemongrass
• peppermint

Add a small amount of honey to your tea to boost your immunity and give your body a refreshing anti-inflammatory dose. Honey is very beneficial for keeping infection away in addition to being a tasty additive to your tea.

Consider ice

If you have increasing pain or swelling immediately following your dental implant procedure, which is common, use ice to help keep the swelling and pressure down. Wrap an ice pack in a cloth when you press it against your skin to protect the area from getting too cool.

Call your dentist

While some pain and discomfort is expected when you get dental work done, you should call your dentist if the following happens:

• prolonged or returning bleeding
• swelling in the throat
• pain you cannot reduce
• extreme redness around your gums

Your dentist may want to have you come back in to make sure your dental implants are healing properly. They will also want to check for infection, and may prescribe you an antibiotic or pain reliever if you have a difficult time recovering from your dental implants.

Getting dental implants can impact your life in very beneficial ways. To help you heal from the procedure, you may want to use a few of these methods of easing your discomfort until you heal completely. Be sure to consult your dental implant specialist, such as Joe Rosenberg, DDS.