Caring for Your Dental Implants
Many of our Longview patients aren’t aware that they can affect the success of their dental implants. In order to help ensure an easy recovery after your procedure and to prolong the life of your new smile, follow this implant care guide that’s full of recommendations from Dr. Hobbs.
Your Initial Recovery Period
Generally, your implant surgery will be completed within two visits. After your second appointment, following the placement of your final restoration, there are some tips you can consider to ensure your implant site heals properly with little to no pain.
Dr. Hobbs suggests that you:
- Don’t spit or use a straw because you can apply too much pressure on the surgical site that will affect its ability to heal.
- Eat soft foods or follow a liquid diet within the first couple of days to prevent any hard foods from poking the implant or irritating your gums.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water two to three times a day to help reduce inflammation and to clean around your implant.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking because these are both blood thinners and can impede your healing process.
Consider the Long-Term Care
Once you’ve fully recovered from your surgery, knowing how to properly care for your dental implants will assure that they radiate beauty and feel comfortable for a lifetime.
Maintain Good Oral Care
Taking care of your teeth and gums is vital to achieving good oral health. Many patients think that because they have dental implants and an artificial tooth or set of teeth, then they don’t have to keep up with a proper oral hygiene routine.
Although your implant post or restoration can’t become infected or decay, the surrounding tissue can which can affect the supporting bone. If bacteria and food particles aren’t thoroughly removed from your mouth each day, it can infect your gums and lead to peri-implantitis. This disease will cause bone loss which may loosen your implant and cause it to fall out.
A complete oral hygiene routine is the best way to clear out any bacteria and ensure that you’re doing everything you can to maintain good health. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash at the end of your routine are three simple steps to follow for the success of your implants.
Dental Implant Products to Use
When using different dental products for your oral care regimen, it’s best to use ones that won’t scratch your restoration or that won’t irritate your gums. Consider these dental products for your implants:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- Toothpaste without any harsh ingredients
- Nylon coated floss
- Mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol
Your Biannual Check-Ups with Dr. Hobbs
As always, you should be visiting our Longview office twice a year for your regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleanings. At these appointments, our team will assure your smile looks beautiful and that your implants remain in good condition.
If you have any questions about your healing process or long-term care for your dental implants, call our office today to speak with one of our team members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if there are any complications with my dental implants?
With a success rate of 98%, dental implant complications are rare. If something goes wrong with your dental implants or you’re experiencing severe discomfort, call our office right away. Don’t attempt to fix the problem yourself, as this can result in permanent damage and set your treatment back. Dr. Hobbs will make sure you get the care you need as soon as possible.
How long will my dental implants take to heal?
The dental implant process usually takes around two to nine months, depending on your specific treatment plan. Typically, most patients need to wait three to six months after their implant surgery for their jaw to fully heal. Patients who need supplemental procedures or who are receiving multiple implants at the same time may require additional time for the healing process.
What can I eat after the procedure?
After your implant fixture is placed, you’ll want to stick to soft foods that are easy to eat while you go through the healing process. Foods that are hard or chewy can upset the surgical area and set your recovery back. Some foods we recommend for after your surgery are cold soups, yogurt, and soft or melted cheeses. It’s also important to stay well-hydrated and chew away from the implant site until it’s fully healed.