Did you know that materials like seashells, copper pegs, and animal bones were once used to replace missing teeth? Fortunately, innovations in dentistry and technology offer patients today superior dental implants that hold an impressive 98% success rate! While a skilled surgeon and high-quality materials are vital to restoring your smile, what you do following your surgery is equally as important! Therefore, read on for dental implant aftercare best practices!
Oral Hygiene Following Your Procedure
To ensure your procedure is a success, it is important to keep the implant site free of harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to begin brushing your other teeth starting the evening of your surgery. Since you won’t be able to clean your dental implant, keep food away from it and use a warm saltwater solution to prevent the area from becoming infected. After a few days, you can begin to clean the dental implant gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
What to Avoid During the Healing Process
If gaps in your teeth have prevented you from enjoying your dining experience, then it can be tempting to indulge in your favorite meals immediately after treatment. Nevertheless, it is important not to disturb the area to ensure that it heals properly. Therefore, make sure to avoid crunchy foods, hot beverages, gum, alcohol, tobacco products, and other items that will irritate the implant site.
5 Additional Best Practices
After undergoing oral surgery, patients typically take extensive precautions to avoid potentially dangerous foods and keep the area clean. However, there are additional measures you can take to help your dental implant heal correctly. For example:
- Keep physical activities to a minimum.
- Take prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to minimize swelling.
- Do not touch the implant site with your fingers or tongue.
- Attend all your follow-up appointments.
To join the millions of patients who have restored their smiles with dental implants, make sure to take extensive measures to allow the implant site to fully heal. That way, you can enjoy the long-lasting, life-changing benefits of this restorative procedure!
About the Author
For over three decades, Dr. James K. Kramer has used his clinical expertise, passion for his craft, and personalized approach to dentistry to help his patients achieve pristine oral health and gorgeous smiles. He is also a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, which only 5% of all dentists in the U.S. achieve, and has completed advanced training at the prestigious Dawson Academy. If you would like to speak with Dr. Kramer about restoring your smile with dental implants, visit his website or give him a call at 302-436-5133.