Dental implants provide a durable, natural-looking solution to restore your smile.
Today’s implants closely resemble natural teeth, enabling you to eat and smile confidently. They’re a fantastic choice for anyone who has lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or gum disease.
However, it’s crucial to care for dental implants properly. Knowing “How will I look after dental implants?” helps ensure their longevity and appearance.
Neglecting your dental implants can lead to various complications. Poor oral hygiene may result in issues like inflammation, discomfort, bone loss, and conditions such as peri-implantitis.
How Will I Look After Dental Implants Immediately After the Surgery?
Proper care immediately after dental implant surgery is essential to promote healing and prevent complications. Here are some important steps to take in the first 24-48 hours:
Managing Swelling, Bleeding, & Discomfort
- Swelling is common after implant surgery and can usually be managed by applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in 10-15 minute intervals. This helps reduce inflammation and provides some relief from discomfort.
- Some light bleeding is normal in the first 24 hours. To control bleeding, gently bite down on gauze provided by your dentist, and avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully, as this can disturb the surgical site.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage post-surgical discomfort.
Foods to Avoid & Soft Diet Suggestions
- For the first 24-48 hours, it’s best to avoid hot beverages and hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, as these can irritate the implant site and slow down the healing process. Foods and drinks high in acidity or sugar should also be avoided.
- Foods like yogurt, applesauce, smoothies (avoiding straws to prevent dry sockets), mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are ideal choices during the recovery period. These options are gentle on the mouth and can help you get the nutrients you need without disturbing the implant site.
How Will I Look After My Dental Implants in the Days After the Surgery?
Switch to a Soft Nylon Brush
After getting dental implants, you might need to consider changing your toothbrush.
Soft nylon brushes are ideal because their gentle, flexible bristles effectively clean your implants without causing damage. Additionally, a Proxabrush can be helpful for reaching areas that are harder to clean around your implants.
Avoid using toothbrushes with hard bristles, as these can scratch the surface of your implants. Similarly, steer clear of any metal tools for cleaning your mouth once your implants are in place.
Stick to a consistent oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing twice a day, to keep your implants in excellent condition.
Consider Quitting Smoking
Smoking severely hinders the healing process and can lead to gum inflammation and weakened tissue around the implant. Additionally, smoking will stain your implants, affecting their appearance.
Be Alert
Being vigilant is one of the most effective ways to look after your dental implants. Familiarize yourself with the common signs of implant issues, and promptly seek treatment if anything feels amiss. Early action can often preserve your implants. If you experience pain, or swelling around your implants or notice any looseness, reach out to your periodontist for peri-implantitis treatment.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is rich in sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay in natural teeth. However, it also poses issues for dental implants. Alcohol not only accelerates plaque buildup but also hinders the healing process after implant surgery. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid alcohol for at least six months following your dental implant procedure to support optimal healing.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining your oral health. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year helps manage plaque and tartar buildup, as well as identify potential problems early on.
After getting dental implants, these visits provide an opportunity to ensure that everything is functioning as it should. Your dentist will examine your implants for any signs of peri-implantitis or damage.
Developing a Daily Cleaning Routine
It’s important to maintain a routine of brushing twice a day after receiving dental implants. Use non-abrasive products to ensure your implants stay in excellent condition for years to come.
Avoid using baking soda, bleach, or chlorine-based cleaners, as these can weaken or damage your implants permanently. Additionally, steer clear of strongly flavored oral hygiene products, like mint or cinnamon, as they may cause irritation or discomfort.
Risks of Not Looking After Your Dental Implants
- Peri-implantitis: This is a gum infection that affects the tissue surrounding the implant, causing inflammation and bone loss. Symptoms may include bleeding, swelling, and redness around the implant.
- Loose Implant: If your implant feels loose or wobbly, this could be due to a loose abutment screw or implant failure. Contact your dentist promptly for an evaluation and treatment options.
- Damaged Restoration: The crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implant may become loose, cracked, or broken over time due to wear or trauma.
- Gum Recession: Receding gums around the implant can expose it to bacteria and increase the risk of implant failure. To prevent further issues, your dentist may suggest gum grafting surgery.
Conclusion
Knowing how to look after your dental implants is essential to ensure their longevity and functionality. Addressing any issues promptly with the help of your dentist will prevent further complications.
Remember, early intervention is key to protecting your investment in dental implants. With diligent care, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Protect your smile for the long term by getting in touch with the experts at Normandale Dental and learning more tips on how to look after your dental implants.
Book your appointment today.
