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One of the primary benefits of dental implants is they can be cared for in a similar fashion to your natural teeth. However, it’s still important that you keep certain factors in mind when taking care of your implants.
Explore Dr. Herman’s guide to learn some tips for preserving your implants, especially while you’re still recovering from surgery.
Dental Implant Care During Recovery
After your implant surgery is complete, Dr. Herman will provide you with instructions to follow for your first few days. It’s important to take these instructions seriously to ensure the longevity of your implants:
- Rinse the implant area with salt water three times a day. This helps to keep it clean and reduce inflammation.
- Don’t spit, use a straw, or do anything else that puts pressure on the implant area. This will help you heal as quickly as possible.
- Don’t eat tough or chewy foods. While you’ll eventually be able to chew all your favorite foods with dental implants, stick to clear liquids and soft foods for at least a few days.
- Refrain from smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Both of these activities decrease your blood flow, impeding your body’s ability to heal.
What can I eat following the procedure?
After your implant is placed, you’ll want to stick with soft foods that are easy to eat while you go through the healing process. Food that is hard or chewy can upset the implant site and possibly set your recovery back. Some foods we recommend after your surgery are cold soups, yogurt, and soft or melted cheeses. Remember to stay well-hydrated and chew away from the surgical area until you’re fully healed.
When will I be able to resume normal activities?
To avoid potential harm or injury, it’s advised you avoid any strenuous activities for at least three days or more. Typically, light activity is allowed after the first 24 hours, but be mindful of how you’re feeling. If you feel fatigued or have difficulty focusing on a particular task, it may be due to medication that you’re taking, meaning you’ll need to hold off on driving or performing other similar activities for a little while longer.
Long-term Dental Implant Care
Once your initial recovery from surgery is complete, caring for your implants becomes much simpler. If you want your implants to last a lifetime, here’s some advice to keep in mind:
Be Consistent with Your Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the easiest and most important ways to protect your implants is maintaining good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time, as well as flossing at least once a day.
Choose Gentle Oral Care Products
While your oral care routine for implants is no different than for natural teeth, we do recommend that you use gentle cleaning products. Avoid whitening toothpaste or toothpaste designed for smokers — these contain abrasive materials that can scratch your implants or irritate surrounding gum tissue. You should also use floss made from nylon because it slides easily between your teeth and it’s gentle on your gums.
A good way to finish your oral care routine is by rinsing with mouthwash to remove any leftover bacteria. Avoid brands containing abrasive ingredients, such as those meant for whitening. It’s also best to stay away from mouthwash that has alcohol because it dries out your mouth.
Protect the Health of Your Gums
Healthy gums are vital to the success of your dental implants. Poor oral hygiene often leads to gum disease and the bacteria in your gums can infect tissues around your implant. This condition is called peri-implantitis, and it can cause bone loss or even implant failure without treatment.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Make sure to visit Dr. Herman at least twice a year for general cleaning. These appointments offer a valuable opportunity for him to identify any problems in their early stages before they start to threaten the health of your implants.
What If I Have a Dental Emergency?
Because dental implants are permanently fused with your jawbone, they rarely require emergency care. However, some patients have damaged or broken their crowns due to facial trauma, mostly from being hit in the face.
If you notice a problem with your restoration, follow these steps to stay safe:
- Make an emergency appointment with us as soon as you can.
- If your crown has been damaged, let us know when you make your appointment.
- If your crown has fallen out, try to store it somewhere cool and dry until you reach our office.
- DON’T use glue or try to fix the crown on your own.
When you visit Dr. Herman for an emergency appointment, he’ll check your crown along with the condition of your implant. If the crown is irreversibly damaged, we’ll start constructing a new one immediately.
Visit Herman Family Dentistry
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implant care, call our practice at 812-882-1572 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Herman. He can answer all your questions and help you maintain a bright, healthy smile.
