Maintaining Your Smile’s Newest Addition with Dental Implant Aftercare
Congratulations on getting dental implants! They are a great solution for missing teeth and can help you achieve the natural-looking smile you’ve always wanted. However, like all dental procedures, they do require proper care to ensure they last for a long time. This guide, provided by our Northridge, CA implant dentists, the Doctors Lau, will give you all the information you need to know about caring for your new teeth.
Immediate & Ongoing Dental Implant Aftercare
What to Avoid After Implant Placement
- Avoid touching the surgical area with your tongue or fingers. This can transfer bacteria and increase the chance of infection or complications.
- Avoid drinking hot liquids, smoking, and eating crunchy, hard, or sticky foods for the first few days. These items can irritate and potentially damage the surgical site.
- Don’t spit, suck on straws, or smoke tobacco. These can impede the healing process and dislodge blood clots.
Cleaning & Oral Hygiene
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild saltwater rinse to clean your mouth.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly while being extra careful not to damage the implants.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist.
- If you experience discomfort or swelling, contact your implant dentist immediately.
Choosing the Right Dental Floss
Regular flossing removes plaque and food particles from the tight spaces between teeth and gums that a toothbrush cannot reach. When selecting dental floss for your dental implants, opt for nylon-coated floss, since it’s designed to easily glide between your teeth and gums. Additionally, there are also several floss options designed specifically for dental implants for more targeted care.
Choosing a Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash that contains antimicrobial agents can help control the buildup of plaque and bacteria around your dental implants while also reducing the risk of gum disease. By integrating an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine, you can give yourself the best chance of maintaining optimal oral health and a beautiful smile for years to come.
With that said, there are two types of mouthwash to avoid if you have dental implants:
- Teeth-Whitening Mouthwash – Avoid mouthwash that promotes teeth-whitening as the harsh ingredients can scratch and damage the dental implant.
- Alcoholic Mouthwash – Mouthwash with alcohol should also be avoided as it can cause dry mouth and deplete your natural protection against bacteria.
Recognizing Signs of a Damaged Implant
Another important aspect of dental implant maintenance is recognizing signs of damage. Although titanium implants are durable and can last a long time with proper care, they can still sustain damage from trauma and require replacement. To ensure the longevity of your implants, it’s important to seek treatment promptly if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unpleasant taste or odor
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Unstable crown
- Gum recession
If you suspect that your implant has been damaged, we encourage you to reach out to our Northridge office immediately by calling 818-239-4956. Our team will provide the necessary care and attention to restore the health and functionality of your dental implant.
Eating & and Drinking After Implant Placement
After receiving your dental implants from Mid-Valley Dental Care, it’s important to follow a soft diet for the first few days to two weeks to allow time for healing and prevent damage to the implant site. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the success of your implant treatment.
Here’s a list of some common foods and drinks that are safe to consume after implant placement:
- Soft fruits (e.g. bananas, grapes, melons)
- Cooked vegetables (e.g. steamed carrots, mashed potatoes)
- Yogurt and other soft dairy products
- Rice, pasta, and other soft grains
- Pudding, custard, and other soft desserts
- Soup, broths, and smoothies
- Water and other clear liquids
Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods since they can put pressure on the implant site and disrupt your recovery. This includes raw vegetables, popcorn, nuts, chips, and chewy candy. If you have any questions or concerns about your diet after implant placement, please contact Mid-Valley Dental Care by dialing 818-239-4956 for further guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dental implants be whitened?
The restorations used to top dental implants are made from non-porous materials that cannot be whitened. However, the materials used to make these restorations are also resistant to staining, which means you shouldn’t have to worry about them becoming dull. With proper care and regular dental exams, it should be easy to keep your dental implants looking white and brilliant for many years.
How long does it take to heal after dental implant placement?
For most patients, the healing process takes an average of three to six months. However, this time frame can vary based on numerous factors including your unique physiology and how well you care for your implants at home. Be sure to follow all instructions for aftercare and visit your dentist as directed to ensure your healing goes smoothly.
How often should I visit my implant dentist after my implant surgery?
After implant placement, you’ll likely need to see your implant dentist two to four more times for follow-up exams. However, the exact number of follow-up visits you’ll need will be determined by your implant dentist. Depending on the state of your oral health before getting implants, you may need to visit more often.
What other steps can I take to ensure my implants last a lifetime?
- Avoid Damaging Habits: Avoid habits like grinding your teeth or using your teeth to open packages, which can damage your implants.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet can help keep your gums and bones healthy, which is important for the stability of your implants.
- Avoid Smoking or Tobacco Products: Tobacco use can increase the risk of implant failure and gum disease.
Learn More About Proper Dental Implant Aftercare – Call Now
At Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental implant aftercare to help ensure the long-term health of your implants. Our experienced team will work with you to provide the education and support you need to keep your implants in top condition.
Call us today at 818-239-4956 to learn more about dental implant aftercare or to schedule your appointment. You can also fill out the contact form below and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. We serve patients in Northridge and surrounding areas such as Granada Hills, Winnetka, and Chatsworth, CA.