How to Care for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants can improve your self-confidence and health for a lifetime if you care for them properly. They’ll continuously keep your oral health in top condition while looking beautiful, but you have to take care of them. Luckily, dental implants don’t require much special care.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Dental implants are easy to take care of — all you have to do is brush and floss them as if they’re natural teeth. Even though they’re artificial teeth, they can still gather food particles and bacteria around them that can lead to infections.
We recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to clean your implant. Toothpaste like whitening, smoker’s toothpaste, and other rough types of toothpaste can damage your implant. Floss that’s nylon-coated won’t scratch your implant.
If you have questions about cleaning your implants, we’re here for you. You can call us at 908-698-4436 for more information or ask us during your regular six-month cleaning. Cleanings ensure your implant and natural teeth are in their best health.
Tips for a Faster Recovery
The actions you take in the first 48 hours after your surgery can make a large impact on your recovery. To avoid complications, we recommend the following:
- Avoid using a straw, sucking, and spitting.
- Brush your teeth slowly with a gentle toothbrush.
- Rinse with warm salt water 2 to 3 times a day.
- Use ice on your gums as needed.
- Make sure you get enough rest.
- Try not to disturb the surgical area.
- Avoid smoking after your implant surgery.
Food During Recovery
During your initial recovery, your jaw may feel sensitive. Eating may be difficult, especially since you don’t want to cause harm to your new implant.
Softer foods are recommended because they won’t damage the surgical area. Eating mashed potatoes, applesauce, fruit smoothies, and macaroni and cheese are examples of foods you can eat.
After the first week, you can start trying to chew foods again but some patients require more time. Even at this time, we recommend avoiding crunchy and hard foods like chips, popcorn, or nuts because they can still cause harm.
Your Brand-New Smile
After you’ve recovered from your surgery, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of dental implants. From a stunning smile to the freedom to eat the foods you love, a dental implant can change your life.
To learn more, call our office at 908-698-4436 or fill out the convenient contact form available on this page. We’ll be happy to answer your questions or to schedule an appointment for you.