How to Care for Dental Implants?
Dental implants can achieve a beautiful smile; however, maintaining that smile requires proper implant care.
Following specific care guidelines is essential if you plan to get an implant or already have one. Otherwise, you may face complications such as dental infections or implant failure.
Table of Contents
Essential Care Tips Before and After Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. However, the recovery process is long, and the cost of implants is high. Therefore, you must heed care instructions to save time and money and avoid severe complications.
Getting the implant surgery is only the first step. Post-implant care is just as critical. Proper care of your new smile can help avoid unnecessary pain, discomfort, and complications.
International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants: “Dental implants require regular care and maintenance to prevent complications and increase their longevity.”
How to Care for Dental Implants
Post-implant care is crucial. With proper maintenance, dental implants can last as long as natural teeth, ensuring their functionality and longevity.
Post-implant care includes:
- Thorough cleaning
- Regular check-ups with your dentist
- Following care instructions to ensure success
American Academy of Periodontology: “Proper maintenance of dental implants involves regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings to ensure long-term success.”
Immediately After Implant Surgery
As soon as your surgery is finished, the care process begins. Rest on the way home. Bring someone to drive you back, as the anesthesia will wear off.
Avoid touching the implant area and vigorous mouth rinsing. Follow post-implant care instructions immediately and continue them for the next few days.
Control Bleeding
Bleeding from the implant site or redness in saliva can continue for up to 72 hours. Bite on sterile gauze for about an hour. Repeat every 6 to 10 hours if necessary. If bleeding is excessive, bite on a moistened black tea bag. Avoid vigorous spitting, smoking, and using a straw.
Manage Pain
Pain is common after dental implants. Your dentist may prescribe pain relief medications. The best treatment for post-implant pain is Tylenol. Take it just before the anesthesia wears off or when you experience severe pain. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Control Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising on the face and gums often appear the day after surgery. Discoloration peaks 2-3 days after surgery and then fades. Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time within the first 48 hours. Sleeping upright can also help reduce swelling.
Get Enough Rest
Most patients return to work the next day, but if your job requires strenuous activity, take a few days off. Avoid intense physical activity for about a week. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
Practice Oral Hygiene
Academy of General Dentistry: “Maintaining optimal oral hygiene after implant placement is essential, as it plays a critical role in the longevity of the implant.”
Maintaining oral hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth the night after surgery, but avoid touching the implant. After each meal, rinse your mouth with warm salt water for up to a week.
Use a chlorhexidine mouthwash after that. Avoid flossing or using an electric toothbrush for the first few days.
Follow a Proper Diet
If not all your teeth are implanted, chew on the side with natural teeth. Avoid hot foods and drinks for at least a week. Stay hydrated but do not use a straw. Stick to soft foods until post-operative symptoms subside.
Quit Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking significantly impacts healing and should be avoided for at least two months. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, interfering with bone formation. Alcohol should also be avoided for at least 72 hours after surgery.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
You may need a follow-up visit 14 days after surgery to remove stitches. Regular check-ups help diagnose infections early and ensure a smooth healing process.
Initial and Long-term Dental Implant Care
| Timeframe | Care Instructions |
|---|---|
| First 72 Hours Post-Surgery | Rinse your mouth with salt water in the morning, after meals, and before bed. Some swelling or bruising may occur, which can be managed with ice packs. Use mouthwash and take prescribed antibiotics as directed. |
| First 3 Days Post-Surgery | Swelling should decrease after three days. If you have stitches, they will be removed within 7-10 days. |
| 4 to 8 Months Post-Surgery | The implant fuses with the jawbone over 4 to 8 months. Continue regular brushing, flossing, mouthwash use, and following dietary instructions. Poor hygiene can lead to bacterial accumulation and bone loss. |
What to Eat After a Dental Implant
Stick to soft foods immediately after surgery, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. After a week, introduce foods requiring mild chewing, such as pasta and eggs. After 1-2 weeks, reintroduce harder foods as healing progresses.
What Not to Eat After a Dental Implant
Some foods are prohibited after dental implant surgery, as they can damage the structure of the teeth and jaw or slow down the healing process. Your diet after dental implant surgery should not include the following:
- Hard foods like chips, nuts, or apples
- Acidic foods like tomatoes, lemons, limes, orange juice
- Popcorn
- Spicy foods, as they may cause discomfort
Swelling After Dental Implant Surgery
You may experience some swelling or bruising around the implant after this treatment. The swelling of the face after an implant typically peaks 2 to 3 days later.
This is completely normal and usually subsides after a few days. The swelling after a dental implant is caused by placing the implant into the gum, which the dentist stitches after the procedure. As mentioned, an ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a towel helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
What Toothbrush and Toothpaste Are Suitable for Dental Implants?
After a dental implant, you should buy a toothbrush specifically designed for dental implants. An implant toothbrush has very soft bristles and is specially designed for gentle but thorough cleaning of dental implants.
Try using fluoride-free toothpaste. This toothpaste is ideal for anyone who has replaced lost teeth with dental implants, as research shows that fluoride and abrasives are unsuitable for daily implant care.
You should also regularly floss and keep up with cleanings and dental check-ups as scheduled.
Is Exercising After a Dental Implant Safe?
Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least a week. Light exercises like walking are safe, but avoid impact sports for about a month.
Complications Arising from Neglecting Dental Implant Care
Neglecting post-implant care may result in:
- Persistent bad breath and taste that won’t go away
- Pus and bleeding around the gums
- Severe pain or the development of high fever
- Implant loosening
- Severe redness and swelling around the gums
If any of these symptoms arise, contact your dentist immediately.
Conclusion
By following proper post-implant care, you can prevent most complications and extend the life of your dental implant. Visit Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach for high-quality dental implant care.
Complimentary Consultation
Book Your Appointment
Our Doctors
Meet Our Top-Notch Doctors
At Beach Cities Dentistry, our talented and experienced dental professionals work together to provide top-quality care for our patients.
