Caring for teeth restored with dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth: brush, floss and maintain regular dental cleanings and check-ups, as scheduled. Additional cleaning aids also may be recommended to help you keep your teeth healthy at home.
As is the case with natural teeth, you and your dentist must work as a team to ensure the longevity of your dental implant. While replacement teeth can’t get cavities, they are subject to the same wear-and-tear as natural teeth. Well-placed and cared for dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. We want patients to start fresh and on the right path to ensuring the health of their mouth.
What Is The Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process can take anywhere from three to nine months or more, depending on the amount of tooth and bone loss. The process involves:
The procedure is often easier than any tooth removal procedure you may have had in the past. The success rate of dental implants is high as 98% in healthy non smoker patients.
What Should I Do After Surgery?
There is an expected recovery time after surgery including some swelling, bruising occasionally and soreness. This should start to disappear in the next four to five days after surgery. An ice pack can be applied to the area for ten minute intervals. After twenty four hours, gentle heat can be applied on the area as this will cause blood flow stimulation to the area and allow for healing to begin.
Pain medication is prescribed after the procedure and should be enough to help with the pain, but sleeping with the head slightly propped up will also help reduce swelling
If soreness and swelling continue for more than a few days, return to your dentist to ensure there is no infection. Minor bleeding following surgery is normal. Apply pressure to the area with gauze, while sitting upright. Contact your dentist immediately if bleeding persists.
For the first couple days following your surgery, it is highly recommended to avoid hot foods and drinks, and try to keep excess liquid away from the area. Try to avoid any strenuous exercise as well.
How Can I Care For My Implants?
Cleanliness is the key to great oral care and hygiene. Following surgery, you will be given a mouthwash. Follow your dentist’s instructions, and keep the area clean. Brush your teeth as usual, but you may want to avoid the surgical site until it is healed and there is no more tenderness. Brush gently at first!
Warm salt water is great for cleaning and healing. Try to keep food away from the surgical area, and if food does come into contact with it, rinse thoroughly. Smoking severely limits healing in the mouth. While you shouldn’t be smoking at all, if you must, wait until the wound is fully healed.
If you follow your dentist’s instructions and take proper care of your implants, the healing process should be quick and smooth. Contact your dentist with any questions or concerns. If there is any severe or unusual pain or bleeding, visit your dentist right away.
