Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular for teeth restoration because of their durability. It’s a permanent solution that significantly helps increase an individual’s quality of life. Despite being long-lasting, however, they’re not indestructible.
Like your natural teeth, you need to take care of them to fully enjoy their benefits. But how do you keep your implanted pearly whites in tip-top shape? Let’s discuss the different stages and list down the dos and don’ts of proper care.
The Healing Period
A patient may experience discomfort and pain for one to two weeks following a dental implant procedure. If you want a more successful and comfortable surgery, ask your dentist about advanced dental implant services. Using titanium alloy, for instance, is the gold standard as it isn’t rejected by the body and integrates with the bone tissue to build a stronger base.
Regardless of the material used, expect your post-care instructions to contain these reminders:
Do:
- Follow your dentist’s instructions to the letter, including instructions for pain relief. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication is often recommended.
- Stick to a soft food diet for the first few weeks. Think smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes – anything that won’t put too much pressure on your new implants.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day. It helps keep the area clean and promotes healing.
- Avoid heavy physical activity in the first few days. Rest is crucial to recovery.
Don’t:
- Smoke or use tobacco products to avoid delaying the healing process.
- Poke or prod at the implant site. You might notice a blood clot forming around the surgical area, which can last up to three days. Removing them forcefully can lead to excessive bleeding. Use a gauze pad to gently remove clots around the surgical area instead.
- Use a straw. The suction can dislodge blood clots and slow down healing.
The good thing is that dental implant surgeries typically have high success levels. A review of over 4,000 patients who’ve had them revealed a low 3.3% implant failure rate, which is mainly associated with cigarette smoking and diabetes. That being said, maintaining healthy habits is crucial.
Daily Care
Once you’re all healed up, it’s time to establish a solid care routine. This is where the real work begins, but don’t worry—it’s not rocket science.
Do:
- Brush twice a day, just like you would with natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around the implant area.
- Floss daily. There are special floss threaders designed and a specific cleaner for implants if you’re finding it tricky.
- Use an interdental brush. These little guys are great for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots around your implants.
Don’t:
- Use abrasive toothpaste. Stick to non-abrasive gel toothpaste with gentle ingredients to avoid scratching the implant surface.
- Skip regular dental check-ups. Your dentist needs to keep an eye on those implants.
The dental implant recovery phase could last for up to six months. At this period, the jawbone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, securing it firmly in place. However, your risk of developing gum disease remains even if you’ve had oral surgery. Neglecting proper oral hygiene can result in peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial build-up on the base of your implant.
Watch What You Eat
Being kind to your replacement teeth is necessary to make the most of your dental implant surgery. Your diet plays a big role in this. While implants are strong, certain foods can damage them over time.
Do:
- Enjoy a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Cut harder foods into smaller pieces. This makes them easier to chew and puts less stress on your implants.
- Drink plenty of water. It helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth healthy.
Don’t:
- Chew on ice or hard candies. Your implants might be tough, but they’re not invincible.
- Go overboard with sticky foods. They can pull on your implants and replacement tooth, causing damage.
Avoiding certain types of food can lift the stress off your new teeth. Do these things and your implants will thank you.
Long-Term Care
Dental implant maintenance isn’t just about good oral hygiene. Your overall health and lifestyle choices can also impact the longevity of your dental implants.
Do:
- Stay hydrated. It helps maintain healthy gums and prevents dry mouth, which can lead to bacteria buildup.
- Manage stress. Grinding your teeth due to stress can put extra pressure on your implants.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports. Protection is key.
- Consider your implant dentist as a partner. Arrange regular dental checkups, ideally twice a year or as often as your dentist recommends.
Don’t:
- Ignore signs of trouble. If you notice any pain, swelling, or looseness around your implants, contact your dentist ASAP.
- Neglect your overall health. Conditions like diabetes can affect your implants, so keep any health issues under control.
- Prevention is always better than cure, even in the dental field. Discuss your concerns with your oral care professional and update them on any changes in your health or medications.
Conclusion
Proper care is key to successful healing following a dental implant placement. Invest in the right tools, practice good oral hygiene, watch what you eat, and visit your dentist regularly to make your implants last a lifetime. The list is long, but it’ll become easier with time.
Individuals have unique healing abilities, and your dental implant experience will differ from other patients. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for personalized advice and post-surgery care.
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.