Care Tips For New Dental Implants
Posted on: 27 November 2018
If you're replacing a tooth with a dental implant, you may feel relieved to know that the new tooth has the strength and stability of a real tooth. However, the key to keeping it that way is to know how to properly care for your dental implant. The new tooth is designed to last forever, but only if you take care of it with these tips.
Post-Surgery Care
It's normal to feel pain and discomfort right after the dental implant is put into your jaw. It will take some time for that titanium post to fully integrate itself with the jawbone and become a solid bond. Once that happens, your dentist will put the permanent crown on the post and the procedure will be complete.
Until you get the permanent crown, there are some things you should avoid doing to ensure the healing process is not delayed. Avoid biting down on your titanium post, even though it may be tempting to test it. If you are a smoker, you'll need to eliminate that habit completely. Avoid using straws as well, since the action of sucking through the straw can put a lot of pressure on the implant.
It is a good idea to switch up your diet by eating soft food and liquids to avoid putting accidental pressure on the post.
Oral Health Maintenance
You'll need to continue with flossing and brushing twice a day to make sure that you have healthy teeth and gums. When you brush around your implant, be sure not to use too much pressure to get it clean. Use gentle strokes to prevent the gums from being too agitated. Your dentist may even recommend you use an oral rinse to help keep the area clean by preventing infections.
Hydration
The key to making sure your new implant is successful is to stay hydrated. When you have dry gums, the area will be more at risk of getting an infection. Dry gums can lead to the area becoming swollen and causing the implant to fail. Water plays a key role in keeping bacteria away from the surgical site.
Medication
Be prepared to have medication ready to go for any pain after the procedure. Take ibuprofen as a preventative step to prevent inflammation, not as a reactive step for if you notice inflammation. Your dentist may prescribe a stronger pain medication as well if over-the-counter drugs are not doing the trick.
Visit a website like http://www.brooksidedentalgroup.com for more information.
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