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Dental implants are often considered the top choice for replacing missing teeth. They’re the only option that includes a support rod that’s inserted right into your jaw. It is then capped by a tooth-shaped crown so that it looks and acts just like the natural pearly white you lost.
Although they have a high success rate and can last decades, it’s still possible for your dental implant to fail. That’s why it’s imperative that you care for it properly, especially immediately following your implant procedure! Keep reading to learn what you should and shouldn’t do to keep your dental implant in prime condition.
DO #1: Follow Aftercare Instructions
Your dentist will give you specific directions to follow right after the surgery. Abiding by them in detail will help keep your recovery on track while the implant site heals. It’ll include how to clean your teeth and mouth, what is safe to eat, and any instructions for prescription medications.
You’ll be too sensitive at first for your usual dental routine and can plan to instead swish with warm salt water to cleanse your mouth. If you’ve been prescribed anything, like antibiotics or pain medication, it’s important to use it exactly as ordered.
DO #2: Continue Dental Hygiene
Once it’s safe to do so, you should plan to brush your implants at least twice daily. Some products may be abrasive to your dental implant, so use a soft-bristled toothbrush and low-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste. If you’re unsure what’s safe and what’s not, feel free to contact your dentist’s office. They’ll be able to answer your questions and provide recommendations.
DO #3: Eat a Balanced Diet
Your body needs sufficient vitamins and minerals to recover efficiently and the best way to get them is through eating a variety of foods. In the beginning, stick with soft foods like soft vegetables, soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. Eventually, you’ll be able to graduate to more solid foods that you can enjoy at your leisure without dietary restrictions. That means you can continue eating a well-balanced diet long after you’ve healed.
DON’T #1: Overdo It
It’s important after your procedure that you give yourself time to rest. You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for as long as possible to avoid any additional bleeding and swelling at the surgical site. If there are household chores or responsibilities to complete, ask family and friends for help getting them done for the next few days.
DON’T #2: Indulge in Toxic Habits
Smoking cigarettes can impair your recovery in a major way. The nicotine in tobacco products reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood as well as how well it flows. It can put your new dental implant at real risk of failure. This is true even after the site has closed. If you pick up smoking down the road, you can still lose your restoration!
DON’T #3: Skip Follow-Ups
You’ll need to schedule the appropriate follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure your teeth, and your dental implant, are all in good health. Then, it’s important to see your dentist at least once every 6 months for a regular checkup and cleaning. That way your dentist can catch signs of any potential issues and address them before they impact your health even further.
Now that you know how you can keep your dental implant in tip-top shape, it’s sure to last for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez has over 20 years of experience transforming patients’ lives by improving their smiles. She completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the Columbia School of Dental Medicine and then received state-of-the-art training in dental implant placement from the University of Florida. If you need a dental implant, she’s an expert! If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to contact us on the website or by calling (646) 669-7407.