Dental implants are an amazing form of tooth replacement for seniors. These strong and sturdy prosthetics can increase confidence, improve chewing power, and help older adults enjoy the best possible quality of life. Is your senior parent thinking about getting implants? This blog post contains practical advice that you can use as you help them through their post-op period.
Make Sure They Have Soft Foods
A soft diet is very important in the days after dental implant surgery. Make sure your parent has access to nutritious meals that are easy to prepare and easy to consume. For example, you might prepare some brothy soup. Smoothies, meal replacement shakes like Ensure, mashed potatoes, and soft veggies are all acceptable options.
Arrange Their Medications
Your senior parent might need to stop taking certain medications for their surgery, and they might have to temporarily take new medications as they recover. They may also need to take certain supplements before their surgery to support bone health and immune function. Use a pill organizer to help them make sure they get the right doses at the right time.
Encourage Rest
If your senior parent is a go-getter, they might be reluctant to get the required amount of rest after their surgery. Encourage them to pass the time with activities that require little physical exertion. You might create a playlist of good movies, play board games with them, or make sure they have easy access to a low-activity craft project.
Pay Attention to Complaints
Some soreness and swelling are normal after dental implant surgery. If sedation is used during the procedure, it can take up to a full day to wear off. Keep a close eye on your parent during this time, and make note of any complaints they make. If they share that they are in severe pain, call their dentist. A high fever, swelling, persistent bad breath, and pus at the surgical site are other red flags that require prompt attention.
Talk to Your Parent’s Dentist
Ask your parent if you can attend their pre-op appointments. During these visits, you can ask the dentist questions and request a copy of any pre- and post-op instructions they provide. You should also feel free to call the office any time after your parent’s procedure. When you coordinate with their dental team, you will be in a better position to assist your parent according to their needs and circumstances.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page is a highly accomplished dentist who performs start-to-finish dental implant care in a welcoming environment. Our team is pleased to serve adults of all ages, and we believe that no one is too old to enjoy the benefits of a healthy and strong smile! If you have questions about dental implants and the post-op experience, we would be happy to speak to you. Contact Capital Smiles in Schenectady at 518-800-3102.