813-756-1979
Your Impact on Your New Smile
Caring for your dental implants can provide you with both short and long-term benefits for your health, appearance, and confidence. Dr. Assing has put together a guide of important tips to follow to ensure ultimate success for your recovery and for the overall lifespan of your implants.
Your First Few Days of Recovery
Within the first couple of days post-surgery, it’s important to be cautious of the things you do that might affect your implant site. Some of our suggestions include:
- Refrain from eating hard, sharp, or sticky foods that can damage or get stuck in your implant site. Instead, focus on a liquid or soft food diet within the first few days.
- Don’t consume any alcohol or smoke tobacco because these can both affect your healing process and reduce blood flow.
- Try to rinse out your mouth with salt water at least two to three times a day. This will help clean out your mouth, decrease the risk of food particles getting trapped around the surgical area, and reduce inflammation.
- Avoid using a straw or spitting because it can put unwanted pressure on the implant that can prevent it from healing properly.
Your Long-Term Implant Care
Once your mouth has completely healed, taking care of your oral health is crucial to ensure long-term success for your new smile. See how to avoid infection and disease and discover which dental products are best for your implants.
Focus on Your Oral Health
Gum disease is an extremely common dental problem that many patients don’t believe affects them when they have dental implants. However, just because you don’t have a natural tooth root and the implant itself can’t get infected, it doesn’t mean your gums are free from harm.
If bacteria begins to build up around your implant and below your gumline, it will become plaque and tartar, which is the leading cause of gum disease. Once the gums around your implant are infected, it can lead to peri-implantitis, which will ultimately cause bone loss and loosen your post.
In order to avoid this disease, you must follow a good oral hygiene routine every day to remove any bacteria or food particles from your mouth. Brushing twice a day is crucial, as well as flossing at least once a day and rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash afterward. These simple actions can be an effective way to ensure implant success and good health.
Find the Best Products for Dental Implants
Discovering which product is best for your implants and restoration can be overwhelming and a bit confusing. Luckily, Dr. Assing has suggested a few things to remember when you’re picking out your new dental care products that will protect your smile.
- Choose a soft bristle toothbrush to prevent irritation or scratches
- Find a gentle toothpaste product that doesn’t contain hard ingredients
- Pick out a floss with a nylon coat or one specifically made for implants
- Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash that won’t dry out your mouth
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my dental implants?
How long do you have to wait to eat after dental implant surgery?
How long does it take to completely heal after dental implant surgery?
How long do you have pain after dental implant surgery?
How do I care for my dental implants?
You’ll care for dental implants the same way you would your natural teeth. Make sure to brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush as well as using a nylon coated floss once a day. Biannual appointments to our Brandon office will also help keep your dental implants and overall oral health in good condition.
How long do you have to wait to eat after dental implant surgery?
You can typically eat immediately after your dental implants are placed. To avoid irritating your gums, which will be tender and slightly swollen after the procedure, you should only eat soft or liquids. This includes but isn’t limited to:
- Applesauce and pureed fruit
- Mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables
- Soups
- Jell-O
- Scrambled eggs
Avoid sticky, chewy, or hot foods for the first few days after your procedure. These foods may irritate or become stuck in the surgical site.
How long does it take to completely heal after dental implant surgery?
The time it takes to heal after a dental implant procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as how many implants were placed. The average recovery time is between four to six months, though it may take more or less time depending on your unique circumstances. Dr. Assing will make sure you’re prepared for this recovery period to ensure your treatment is successful and your comfort is protected.
How long do you have pain after dental implant surgery?
You may experience mild discomfort after your dental implants are placed, though any pain will typically fade after three to five days. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers can help to alleviate these symptoms. If your discomfort persists or worsens, contact us at (813) 756-1979 right away to schedule an appointment.
Follow-Up with Dr. Assing
Make sure you continue to schedule your regular check-ups with Dr. Assing. A professional dental cleaning and exam are vital to the long-term success of your overall oral health, as well as your implant.
At these appointments, Dr. Assing will be able to see if there are any problems that might be harming your implant and find a solution to help it right away. Don’t hesitate to give our office in Brandon a call if you have any further questions about your implant treatment and recovery.
Why Wait? Contact us today for information on your Dental Implant Consultation
Call Us Today! 813-756-1979