How to Take Care of Dental Implants

Dental Implants Port Charlotte, FL

People who have been recommended to get dental implants may be wondering how to take care of them after surgery. Implants are artificial teeth held in place by metal posts positioned in the gums. They are constructed to look and function like natural teeth; thus, managing them is similar to caring for regular teeth. Once the post, abutment, and crown are surgically placed in the mouth, dental patients are responsible for taking good care of their implants to ensure a longer life.

Early care

Immediately following the final phase of dental implant surgery, patients may experience common discomforts including swelling, bruising, pain, and minor bleeding. Medication may be prescribed by a dental professional to help minimize pain during the first few days.

Individuals need to eat a diet that consists mostly of soft foods, and avoid using straws for at least two or three days. Foods and liquids that are extremely hot should be avoided, as well as foods like popcorn, rice, and nuts that can become easily lodged in the surgical site.

Swelling can be managed by holding an ice pack on the jaw. Placing a cold ice pack on the area for about 15 minutes at a time reduces swelling and inflammation.

Long-term care

A few days after getting dental implants, patients should notice improvements in their condition. If symptoms get worse after the first week, contact a dental professional who can address any issues with proper healing. Otherwise, people should follow the instructions given by dental professionals to take care of implants.

Maintain good oral hygiene

First, individuals should practice good oral care. Brush all teeth, both natural and artificial, at least twice a day and floss once a day. If desired, patients can use an interdental brush to clean in between the teeth more effectively.

Visit a dental professional regularly

Next, people should visit a dental professional at least twice a year. Some patients may need to schedule dental visits more frequently depending on symptoms. It is particularly important to have regular check-ups to examine the health and function of the implants.

Avoid damaging habits

Finally, there are a variety of habits that cause damage to teeth, including smoking, teeth grinding, and consuming tooth-staining products. As well as avoiding these, it is wise for patients to not bite ice and hard candy because it can break the crowns on implants. All of these habits can lead to premature damage and should be avoided.

Seek care for complications

It typically takes several months for implants to completely bond with the jawbone. However, by two weeks after surgery individuals should notice an improvement in pain. If patients notice any signs of new pain or pain that has not gone away after two weeks, then they should schedule an appointment with a dental professional.

Conclusion

The majority of dental implants are inserted successfully with no complications. To help ensure this, individuals should follow the recommendations from a dental professional to take good care of their implants.

Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Dental Implants in Port Charlotte, FL.

Related Posts

Improve Your Mouth's Functionality With Dental Implants

Dental implants are devices, usually made with titanium, that fuse with the jawbone and replace natural tooth roots. A common reason to get an implant is tooth loss due to tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury to the mouth. Some patients report that dental implants are a more natural-feeling alternative to full or partial…

Recovery Tips After Getting Dental Implants

The surgical procedure to place dental implants is similar to all others in that you need some time to recover from the operation. Implants require incisions, so the soft tissues will need to heal to seal up the wounds. In addition, the hard tissues of the jaw bone will also heal slowly, fusing the metal…

Ways To Extend The Life Of Dental Implants

One of the reasons why dental implants are a popular option for tooth restoration is that they are durable. With the proper care, they can last a lifetime. Maintaining your implants is not much different than caring for natural teeth, but you have to be diligent about dental hygiene to avoid problems that could cause…

When Would I Need An Implant Crown?

A missing tooth can cause issues with your self-esteem and the functionality of your bite. Among the available restoration options, an increasingly popular choice is an implant crown. Dental implants are not an option for everyone, and they do not work in every situation. For many people, however, they are the recommended solution to a…