Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They’re an option that looks and feels the most like your natural teeth. But how do you take care of your dental implants after you get them? Dr. Mark Sowell, a Plano, TX dental implant provider, explains how to properly take care of your dental implants.
The process of getting dental implants does involve a surgical procedure. This means that you have to make sure you take care of the surgical sites so that the implants can heal properly. For the first 8-12 hours, try to keep your head elevated and don’t move too much. Sponges in your mouth are there for you to bite down on to control bleeding.
For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing out your mouth and only consume beverages and soft foods. Take the medication prescribed by your dentist to help with pain and use an ice pack at 15-minute intervals to control any swelling.
While dental implants give you back all of your bite function, there are still things that you should try to avoid. Doing so increases the longevity of your restoration and can help you avoid damage to the final dental restoration that completes your implants.
Hard and sticky foods are two of the worst culprits when it comes to damage. Dental crowns can crack or shift because of these. Biting into an apple or chewing on things like ice or hard candy can cause damage to both natural teeth and implants.
Particularly for the first six months after the implants are placed, smoking and alcohol use can be detrimental. This is how long it takes for the implants to be fully healed. Both smoking and alcohol use can hinder the healing process.
It’s important that you use a toothbrush that’s going to be gentle enough for your dental implants. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can scratch your dental implants. You should also make sure you’re not using any other hard devices to try and clean your teeth.
Soft nylon toothbrushes are ideal because their bristles are pliable. They’re gentle on your implants. Dr. Sowell can also help by giving you certain utensils that are helpful to clean around your dental implants so that areas aren’t missed.
Flossing is even more important now that you have dental implants. It’s easy for plaque to build up around your restoration. However, there are many types of floss that are specifically designed for people with dental implants. This makes it an easy addition to your oral healthcare routine.
After getting implants, you want to make sure you’re using dental products that are designed to be sensitive. Products that are abrasive can cause discomfort and scratch the surface of your dental implants. In addition, avoid products with flavors that are too strong. These can cause discomfort as well.
With these simple care steps, your dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Call our office or schedule a complimentary consultation online to see if dental implants are the right choice for you.
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