How to Care for Dental Implants
If you recently have undergone or are going to undergo a procedure to get one or more dental implants, it’s possible that you may have a few questions regarding the proper care of the implants. The wellbeing of dental implants depends on good oral hygiene both before and after the procedure. Any dentist will tell you this, but in case you would like to know more information during the research stages of your dental implant procedure, here’s a quick look at the proper way to care for your dental implant.
Keep Good Oral Health
The most important thing to do to prepare for caring for a dental implant is to practice good oral health both before and after your implant is in place. Keeping your gums and teeth healthy is always a good idea, but it is especially important to have a set of good and healthy gums at the time of your implant procedure. Too much bacteria around the spot in which the implant is going to go will only complicate things. After your implant is in place, keeping bacteria at bay is equally important while your gums and mouth get used to the presence of the implant.
Floss
There are all kinds of floss on the market today, but in terms of flossing around your implant, you’re going to want to use un-waxed tape or implant-specific floss in order to protect the tissue that is surrounding the implant. You should be flossing at least once a day around your implant, just as you would regularly floss the rest of your teeth. A floss threader may be necessary for bar-retained prostheses, full-fixed retained prostheses, or wider interproximal spaces.
Use a Water Flosser
A water flosser is great for getting to hard to reach places around the implant site and removing bacteria and plaque. This is especially useful if regular floss is not good enough at providing a thorough cleaning around the implant.
Take All Prescribed Antibiotics and Pain Medications
In order to stave off infection, and to keep pain at bay, make sure you take any and all medications that have been prescribed to you. Sure, brushing and flossing are both going to be a big help when it comes to avoiding infection, but taking antibiotics is going to be your secret weapon. Pain meds are also going to be helpful in making sure you stay comfortable and calm after receiving your dental implant.
Watch Your Diet
For the first few days after your implant is placed, it’s important to keep your diet on the softer side. Start by drinking only clear liquids, preferably water and avoid crunchy, chewy, or tough foods. You’ll want to stick with softer foods in order make sure your newly implanted tooth stays nice and snug and does not get damaged.
Follow these tips and you’re sure to have a much easier time caring for your dental implant after the procedure is completed.
All credit goes to Solaris Dental Design
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