How To Take Care Of Your New Dental Implants

Getting dental implants is a great decision that’ll benefit your smile for life. By replacing your missing tooth with a secure dental implant, you effectively restore your smile and enjoy the natural look of your new tooth (or teeth)! Taking care of dental implants is simple, but requires that you remain consistent in your care. Your dentist can help navigate your care once your dental implants are complete. How can you best take care of your new dental implants?

After the Procedure

Once your actual dental implant is placed, this will need to heal for a period of time before you get your crown attached to the end. During this period of time, your mouth will likely be sore and possibly bruised. It’s best to eat cold foods and drinks as much as possible. It’s also vital that you do not touch your dental implant. You can use ice to help with the swelling if needed.

Your dentist may give you a special mouthwash to use during this time, but you should avoid brushing the dental implant while it’s healing; this may take a few days. Always follow your dentist’s care instructions!

Once Your Implant Has Healed

Once your implant has healed and the crown is attached, gently clean your dental implant with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid aggressive brushing—it’s not necessary. You need to keep your dental implant clean and remove plaque daily through brushing and flossing. Keeping your dental implants clean can extend the lifespan of your crown and keep your implant healthy and strong!

If you smoke, getting dental implants is good motivation to quit. Smoking not only increases your risk for gum disease and oral cancer, but prevents healing in the mouth. While your dental implant is healing, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to reduce the chances of infection so that your implant can heal.

Long-Term Care

Brushing and flossing your dental implants regularly just like your natural teeth can help you maintain great oral health. Gentle brushing is easy enough, but flossing may require a little extra effort around your dental implants. You should use the floss to get trapped food and plaque underneath your dental crown near the top of your implant.

Food or plaque that get trapped in this section can cause problems, so take a few extra seconds to get underneath your dental crown. This can help make sure your dental implants are squeaky clean and healthy! You should also visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dental implants are doing great. Your crown will need to be replaced eventually, so your dentist can examine your implants during your visit and let you know how you’re doing with your oral care.

Dental implants are one of the best choices for effective tooth replacement. Taking care of your dental implants requires brushing and flossing just like your natural teeth. You’ll also need to visit the dentist just like you do for your regular smile. Enjoy your new dental implants with these best care habits!