post-operative dental implant care

Yes, proper post-operative dental implant care as advised by your dentist will make your dental implant treatment successful and rewarding. Your dental implant-fixed teeth can stay functional for many years without any discomfort and failure. Dental implants are a boon for patients with a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in their jaws. You will lead a healthy life and normally function the mouth easily restored. Even dental implants support your facial structure and keep you looking younger and smiling.

In this article, we are trying to provide you with comprehensive post-operative care for dental implants and keep them functional and healthy for many years. 

After you get your dental implants it is common to have gum and soft tissue swelling in the area of implant placement. This period is important and follows all the instructions given by your dentist. The time required to heal your gums varies from a few days to a few weeks. With proper medication and instructions for care, your implants will heal properly. Common instructions for the post-operative healing period are to avoid hard and crunchy food, avoid sticky food and avoid smoking, and avoid straws to keep your implants intact and heal properly. 

Maintaining good oral hygiene is as important for your dental implants as for your teeth. Proper two times brushing and flossing in between teeth is must for a good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing in between teeth help to control plaque buildup and help to keep gums near implant healthy. Prolonged gum disease can damage a dental implant and surrounding bone and gum tissues. And can fail dental implants. Post-operative dental implant care can also include antimicrobial mouth rinse to prevent infection and keep the mouth clean. 

Scheduling a regular dental check-up is important for dental implants. Your dentist can examine the implant healing and any signs of gum infections. If there is plaque or tartar deposit over the implant a gentle cleaning is performed. X-rays may be taken to see the healing of dental implants. Your dentist will check all aspects of the dental implant and its functioning with bite adjustments. Regular dental checkups are very helpful for early intervention and successful stability of dental implants. 

Certain habits can damage dental implants such as clenching and grinding of teeth, biting on hard objects, or using your teeth as a tool. Most of the time teeth grinding and clenching are not under one’s control. In such type of habits, your dentist will give you a night guard to protect your teeth and dental implants. Other habits can be avoided consciously to help good healing of dental implants. 

A healthy diet is important for the proper healing of your implant and the health of soft tissues and gums around the implant. Foods that are high in sugar and acids damage your teeth and implants too. It is better to avoid aerated drinks and cold drinks for better healing of dental implants. A balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is best suited for the proper healing of dental implants. In patients having a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D, your implantologist will suggest supplements that help to heal implants.