If you have decided to have dental implants put in to replace one or more of your missing teeth, then you should prepare yourself for the recovery process. Implants are a great option when it comes to tooth replacement because they are permanent replacements that look, feel and act just as real teeth do once you have become used to having them in. However, since they do require more extensive work to be done in order to get them, there is also more of a recovery time you will need to endure.

Plan on taking some time off

If you can plan your dental procedures for Fridays so you can take the weekend to recover, then this is a good idea. If not, then you may want to take a few days off work so you can recover. You will experience some pain and more than likely be given pain medication that can make you tired, affect your driving ability and affect your ability to handle heavy machinery.

You may also find it difficult to talk for the first few days after the procedures for having the implants put in, and this makes it hard to go to your job if it requires you to speak with other employees or customers.

Watch how you eat

Your gums are going to be pretty sore and sensitive, especially those first few days. You should plan out some meals that require very little chewing. The first day you may want to stick to an all liquid diet that consists of things like smoothies and liquidy shakes. As you begin to feel better you can move on to yogurt, mashed potatoes and other foods you don't have to chew. Some people heal faster than others, so let your own pain tolerance be your guide when it comes to adding foods with more texture back into your diet.

Watch for problems

You want to pay attention to your mouth and watch for warning signs that there may be a problem so you can get right into the dentist for proper treatment. Although you can expect pain after the procedure, you should also feel yourself improving a little each day. If you suddenly start to hurt more, then you should get checked out. A bad taste in your mouth can be a sign of infection. Also, running a fever, body aches or puss and increased redness at the site can be a sign of infection.

Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect while you recover, you will be better prepared to get through that first week. Contact a dentist, such as Dr. Daniel Bade DDS, for more information.