If you and your dentist have decided that dental implants are the best treatment option to restore missing teeth, there are a few things you will need to know about caring for your implants. Dental implants are quickly becoming the standard of care to replace missing teeth. According to the Total Freedom Dental Implant Center, they have a 98% rate of success.
Basic Care Immediately Following Surgery
Dental implant care should start immediately following the implant surgery. The most important thing to remember about your new implants is that you do not want to wiggle the implant or apply too much pressure on the implant initially.
Expect some swelling and discomfort for the next few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers will help. You can also use an ice pack to keep the swelling down.
If your job requires strenuous physical labor, consider taking a couple of days off following the surgery. Most people return to work the day after surgery, but if you work in an environment where you have to do some heavy lifting, it is best to take off for 48 hours following surgery.
Oral Hygiene Is Critical
The tissue surrounding your implant needs a healthy environment to heal. One of the most prominent reasons an implant will fail is because of infection. Brush as you normally do but avoid the implant when brushing. For the next week, rinse your mouth with warm water and salt rinse after every meal to remove food particles and debris.
Add about a teaspoon of salt to a full cup of warm water. Your dentist may have prescribed a chlorhexidine rinse, which can follow your saltwater rinse. Be sure to follow this routine for a full week after your implant surgery.
Chew on the Side Without the Implant
If you do not have a whole mouth of implants, chew on the side where your natural teeth are for at least a week. You do not want to put undue pressure on a healing implant. Avoid overly hot foods or beverages for about a week. Room temperature foods and drinks are best for the week following your surgery.
Keep Your Follow Up Appointments
Be sure to keep your follow-up dental appointments. Dental implants are a great option and have a high success rate with the proper care. Regular checkups are necessary to ensure continued success. To learn more about dental implants and more, contact our friendly team at Lowell Dental Arts, today!
