How Do You Take Care Of Implants?

Although dental implants can last forever, it still needs to be maintained well to extend their lifespan. Dental implants are significant investments for restoring the smile and it is up to you to make them last long or not. It is crucial to follow the customised instruction on proper home maintenance suggested by your dentist. With good oral hygiene habits, you can show off that pearly white smile forever.

Teeth implants are at the risk of failure without consistent oral care. Keep your teeth and gums are not a difficult job. In fact, there is a range of dental hygiene products that makes the maintenance part easier. While dental implants will not develop cavities, the surrounding gum tissue needs to be properly maintained as they can be inflamed and affected by gum disease. Be aware that peri-implantitis is the major cause of implant failure.

Oral care tips for dental implants

Follow these guidelines to avoid inflammation, infection, and peri-implantitis

• Brushing twice a day is the key to remove food particles from your teeth. If possible, brush after every meal. Use an electronic toothbrush to clean your teeth. Be gentle but ensure to clean your teeth thoroughly.
• Flossing is also an integral part of oral care as it helps to remove the plague from the teeth. So, floss at least once in day.
• Pay close attention when flossing and brushing, where the implants meet the gum line.
• You can use low abrasive toothpaste to avoid tartar build-up.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plague.
• Stick to a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins, calcium, and proteins to boost both your oral and overall health
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Although implants do not develop cavities, other teeth are at high risk of developing cavities.
• Do not smoke or drink as it is not good for your oral and overall health. Smoking increases the risk of developing gum disease and leads to tooth loss.
• It is advisable to see your dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning.
Poor oral hygiene allows the formation of plaque that significantly reduces the lifespan of dental implants. If you notice swelling and bleeding gums, visit the dentist as early as possible as these are the signs of gum disease. Before you know that you have gum disease, it may have progressed to the last stage called periodontitis. A severe stage of gum disease and leads to tooth loss if left untreated, and it cannot be reversed as well. If you have periodontitis, chances are high for implant failure. The dental implants price Melbourne is worth the investment so maintain them well to extend their life.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants?

Now that you have had your dental implants, we believe you are delighted with the results. You have invested your money and time to have this modern teeth replacement option, so you should get the best out of it. We are here to help you understand how to care for your implant thus protecting your investment. Implants are one of the most successful teeth replacement options that look so natural. However, they need some care just like your natural teeth to maintain them in a healthy condition for a long time.

How to care for your dental implants?

  • To enjoy the successful dental implants throughout your lifetime, you should keep your mouth as clean as possible. From the next day of the surgery, you should start cleaning your other teeth with a toothbrush as you always do. However, avoid brushing in the surgical area for some days and be careful while cleaning this area.
  • Rinsing in your mouth with warm salt water could help you feel better. Make sure the water is not so hot and hold the warm water over the surgical area for some time. Repeat this as often as you can.
  • Try to keep the food you eat away from the surgical area for some days.
  • Rinse the implant site thoroughly after every meal in order to keep the implant site clean.
  • Do not smoke until the wound is completely healed because smoking can limit healing to a greater extent.

What should you avoid after implant treatment?

  • Take only cold drinks, avoid hot drinks or food for the first few days.
  • Do not eat until the effect of local anaesthesia wore off.
  • Try not to disturb the implant site with your fingers or tongue.
  • Do not swill liquid on the area.
  • Do not undertake any tough exercises for the first 48 hours post dental implant procedure.

Will there be bruising or swelling around the implant site?

You might experience some bruising and swelling following the implant procedure. This is completely normal and will subside naturally in a few days. However, you can use ice packs to reduce swelling and hold it on the cheek area for some time. Raising your head a bit while sleeping may also help.

What about the sutures made in the tooth implants site?

The stitches will dissolve after some days or weeks. You may experience some minor bleeding post surgery. However, this is perfectly normal. You can try applying pressure by biting down dampen gauze cloth over the area for a few minutes. Sitting in an upright position will also help. If bleeding continues for a long time, you should contact your dentist right away.

If you are prescribed with antibiotics, to take after the procedure, ensure you complete the course.

We want you to recover as pleasant and as smooth as possible. Following these instructions carefully can help you with it. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your healing phase or dental implants cost, contact your dentist!