812-882-1572
A Lifelong Restoration With Proper Care
As the top-rated restoration solution, dental implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for. One of the primary benefits of dental implants is they can be cared for similarly 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 increasing the longevity of your implants, especially while you’re still recovering from surgery.
Dental Implant Care During Recovery
After your implant procedure, Dr. Herman will provide you with instructions to follow for the first few days of recovery. It’s important to take these instructions seriously to ensure the longevity of your dental implants as well as keep your oral health intact. Please do the following:
- Rinse the implant area with salt water three times a day. This helps keep it clean and reduces 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, stick to clear liquids and soft foods for the first few days.
- Refrain from smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Both of these activities decrease your blood flow, impeding your body’s ability to heal.
Long-Term Implant Care
Once your initial recovery from surgery is complete, caring for your dental implants is simple. If you want your restoration to last you a lifetime, here are some expert tips.
Create Consistent Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the easiest and most important ways to keep your implants in pristine condition is to create and maintain good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing your teeth twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing daily. We also recommend using mouthwash to remove any excess bacteria.
Choose Gentle Oral Care Products
While your oral care routine for implants is no different than for natural teeth, we do recommend using gentle cleaning products. Avoid whitening toothpaste or toothpaste designed for smokers — these contain abrasive materials that can scratch your implants or irritate the 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 Your Gum Health
Healthy gums are crucial to the success of your dental implant treatment. 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 proper treatment.
Visit Dr. Herman Regularly
Make sure to visit Dr. Herman at least twice a year for a professional checkup and cleaning. These routine 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 Experience a Dental Implant 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I eat following dental implant surgery?
Following your dental implant surgery, you’ll want to stick to a soft food and liquid diet to allow your mouth to properly heal. We recommend eating the following foods for the first few days after your procedure:
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Applesauce
- Pudding
- Jell-O
- Broth
Dr. Herman will go over all post-op instructions with you before your surgery.
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 the medication you’re taking, meaning you’ll need to hold off on driving or performing other similar activities for a little while longer.
Visit Herman Family Dentistry
Here at Herman Family Dentistry, we’re always here to help you on your smile journey and will be there every step of the way. If you have any questions or you’re interested in learning more about dental implant care, get in touch! Just call our Vincennes dental office at (812)-882-1572 or fill out our online contact form.
