Dental Implant Aftercare: Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your New Smile

Dental implants provide a solution to missing or failing teeth and even to chronic dental problems. These are created through artificial tooth roots that fit and function like natural teeth. For this reason, dental implants have become the most popular choice for teeth restoration.

However, aftercare maintenance is crucial to ensure the success and longevity of your new smile. Pro Grace Dentistry is here to provide tips and tricks for dental implant aftercare.

Post-surgical Instructions

Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific instructions during your recovery period after a dental implant. It's essential to follow them carefully. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining oral hygiene routines.

But before your dental implant appointment, it’s best to learn about the potential risks so that you can take steps to improve the procedure’s success rate.

Practicing Good Oral Hygiene

Keeping up with proper oral hygiene is crucial for the health of your dental implants, but is also good general advice for your overall oral health. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Use low-abrasive toothpaste and pay special attention to the implant areas. Using floss threaders or interdental brushes daily to clean between the implants and your natural teeth.

Healing

After your dental implant, as long as proper hygiene is maintained, oral discomfort should gradually subside. Some minor issues may still occur like:

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Bruising

Feel free to continue taking pain medications if any pain persists. Healing time differs depending on whether a patient receives an immediate crown or waits for the implant to fuse with the jawbone.

Follow-up appointments can be scheduled according to your recovery timeframe and treatment plan.

Watch Your Diet

Stick to a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage your implants or put excessive pressure on them. Additionally, limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages, as they can contribute to dental decay and gum disease.

Avoid smoking and tobacco products: Smoking can negatively affect healing and increase the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, consider quitting or at least cutting down to enhance the long-term success of your implants.

Avoid Grinding Your Teeth

Be mindful of teeth grinding (bruxism). If you grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw, it can put excessive pressure on your implants. Inform your dentist if you have these habits, as they may recommend a nightguard or other solutions to protect your implants.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist or implant specialist. They will monitor the health of your implants, perform professional cleanings, and promptly address any concerns or issues.

Pro Grace Dentistry maintains a quality standard for dental implant treatments. We make use of medical-grade fixtures that naturally cling to the jawbone cells for stronger anchorage. This prevents slippage and eating difficulties often associated with having dental implants.

Should you be a candidate for long-term restorative dental treatment, please visit our clinic in Northwest Calgary for a check-up or call 403.288.8080 to book a consultation appointment.

Restore the radiant smile you once had and regain the confidence you need!

Blog posts from Pro Grace Dental are for general information only. The content should not be considered medical advice. If you are in need of professional medical advice or assistance, please reach out to your local doctor or clinic.