How To Care For Dental Implants? Once dental implants are placed in the mouth and dental crowns or bridges are attached to them, they need to be cared for like natural teeth. Follow these dental hygiene tips from Dr. Bilus to care for dental implants to avoid dental problems after dental implant treatment:
Healing Process After Implants surgery
You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that received dental implants for at least three months. You should also take care not to open or close your jaw too quickly or with too much force. If you have a job that requires heavy labor, you may need to change your work schedule until you have healed completely.
Dental Implant Care After Surgery
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone. This process may take several months to complete. A titanium screw will fuse with your jawbone and form a strong foundation for replacement teeth.
Dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth and can help you resume normal activities within a few days after surgery.
You should plan to take immediate steps to protect the implants as you heal from surgery. Dental implant maintenance can help ensure your success.
Twenty-four hours after surgery, you should have no bleeding from your gums when brushing your teeth. Avoid dental floss after surgery since it may scratch the new implants.
You will be asked not to smoke for at least six weeks after dental implant surgery. Smoking can delay healing and decrease blood flow to your new dental implant procedure. Ask your dentist about nicotine replacement products if you are a smoker or have a nicotine addiction.
What Should I Avoid After My Implant Treatment?
There are a number of things to avoid after your dental implant treatment.
1. Avoid hot food or drink hot liquids until the local anesthetic has worn off.
2. Remember that you may still have some numbness in the area, so do not disturb it with your tongue or fingers.
3. Do not undertake strenuous exercise (eg running/gym) for the first 48 hours after your treatment.
4. Avoid smoking or being around smoke for at least two weeks. This will help decrease the chances of infection and delay wound healing, which could cause problems with the implant.
5. After two weeks, you can clean around the implant with a gentle brush and non-alcoholic mouthwash.
6. To prevent any discomfort, avoid brushing or using a mouth rinse in that area for at least 48 hours following your procedure.
If you have any concerns about aftercare, please contact your dental professional for advice on your treatment. Remember to keep your appointments up-to-date following implant treatment; this is essential for monitoring your oral hygiene and providing support throughout the process.
Caring For Dental Implants
A dental implant is a long-term investment in your oral health. Getting them done and maintaining them over time will be worth the results for years to come!
1. Keep Your Implants Clean
Cleaning your dental implants gently is important to prevent any damage that could cause them to fail. Be sure to brush gently around the implant, but avoid brushing it directly with a toothbrush to protect the gums and surrounding tissue from becoming irritated. If you’re unsure what’s safe and effective for your implants, contact a dental professional for more information.
2. Floss Properly
Dental floss is used to clean the space between two teeth. However, floss cannot be used around dental implants because floss can damage implant components and surrounding tissues.
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Cleaning your implants gently is important to prevent any damage that could cause them to fail. Be sure to brush and floss gently around the implant, but avoid brushing it directly with a toothbrush to protect the gums and surrounding tissue from irritation. If you’re unsure what’s safe and effective for your implants, contact a dental professional for more information.
About the author
Dr. Bilus D PolesDDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA
Founder and lead dentist of Omni Dental of Arlington Heights. Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and Board Certified Diplomate of the ICOI and IDIA. Illinois license #019.027365.
