Five Helpful Tips to Care for Your Dental Implant

June 17, 2022, Pearl Shine Dental Clinic

Dental implants can help restore your beautiful, healthy smile. They replace the tooth’s root, providing a foundation for fixed or replacement teeth. With dental implants, you have the chance to restore your tooth’s function and look. But to make the most of them, you need to follow these tips when caring for your dental implant.

 Tips to Help Care for Your Dental Implants

Practicing proper oral hygiene is crucial to maintaining your oral health, especially after you get dental implants. To care for your dental implant properly, follow these tips:

  1.Brush Your Teeth With A Soft Toothbrush

If you have dental implants, it is better to switch your toothbrush. Clean your teeth thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Pay special attention to gently brushing the surface of your dental implants to ensure that no food particles or debris accumulate there, as they can lead to dental issues. Moreover, use gentle movements to brush to prevent implant or gum damage.

    2.Floss Every Day

Brushing your teeth does not get rid of all the plaque in your mouth. Plaque can get stuck between your teeth and collect in your gumline. Therefore, use a proper flossing technique to floss your teeth and gums daily. You can even use different kinds of flosses, like the ones made specifically for your dental implants. Get all that debris out to care for your dental implants, making them last longer.

    3.Steer Clear of Hard or Sticky Food

Hard and sticky food can damage your implants, making them weak in structure. In addition, it can impact the opposing teeth as well. Thus, avoid sticky food to maintain the health and strength of your dental implants. These foods include caramel, ice, carrots, apples, crusty bread, steak, hardshell tacos, hard candies, dry fruits, etc.

  4.Avoid Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking is harmful to your overall health, including your dental or oral health. However, it is best to avoid it when you have dental implants particularly. In the initial six months, your dental implants heal. Thus, it is essential that you avoid smoking entirely during this period. Drinking alcohol also impacts dental implants’ healing process, slowing their recovery. Even after the implant is fully integrated, you should avoid smoking because it lowers the blood supply to our gums, teeth, and bone.

  5.Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Getting dental implants does not mean you should give up your regular dental visits. Go to your dentist at least twice per year to ensure no dental or oral health issue is present. Your dentist can help maintain the health of your dental implants and identify any issues present for treatment. With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime.

Immediate Aftercare Tips for Your Dental Implants

Any dental procedure requires immediate aftercare, including dental implants. It is normal to experience some pain and swelling for 24 hours following your procedure. Some tips for dental implants aftercare are:

• Your dentist might have placed sponges in your mouth; bite on them to control the bleeding.
• Keep your head elevated and limit excessive movements for the initial 8-12 hours post-surgery.
• Use cold compresses at 15-minute intervals as needed.
• Eat only soft food and beverages for the first 24 hours following the procedure.
• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth in the initial 24 hours of the surgery.

What Is The Take-Away?

Dental implants can help improve your smile and restore the function of your teeth. But to make them last longer, you need to follow some instructions. Therefore, sticking to our tips when caring for your dental implant can help you maintain their strength. Anyone in Texas missing their teeth can go to the best Houston dental implant dental clinic or any other area, depending on where they live. With proper care and attention, your dental implants can last a lifetime.

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