Dental implants can give you a beautifully restored smile, and extra confidence to boot! Not only do they look completely natural and great, they work far better than dentures ever could! But dental implants are also an investment – they are not cheap to have done. So once you do have them put in, it’s a good idea to learn all that you can about how to take care of them, and protect them from damage.
Right after Procedure
After your implant procedure, your teeth and gums will be a little swollen and tender. This is normal and happens because the implant is attaching to the bones that will hold it in place. During this time, your dentist will prescribe some pain relief medication to help with tenderness and bring down the swelling. You will also need to stick to a soft food diet to ensure they anchor properly and you do not hurt yourself.
Everyday
After the healing time is over, your implants will be just like normal teeth. You must follow a strict dental care routine in order for them to stay looking clean and in place! Although dental implants cannot rot or get cavities, the gums surrounding them can become infected if they are not cleaned properly. This can lead to the implant falling out if the infection becomes too much for the gums.
Caring for your dental implants is easy however! You just need to care for them as you do regular teeth:
- Brush and floss at least twice a day
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
There are also some additional tips that will keep your pearlies white. Doing these regularly will help your implants stay looking bright, white and beautiful!
- If you cannot brush after eating, try to swish some water around your teeth to clean them.
- Try to avoid the known teeth stainers such as red wine or coffee. If you cannot avoid them though, try drinking them through a straw or drinking water right after them.
- Look for toothpastes that contain whitening ingredients – these will help implants too!
All in all, the most important things to remember are to brush floss and visit your dentist! Your dentist will help you recognize any signs of trouble that might be creeping up that you do not feel or see.
By taking proper care of your implants, you can continue to have that glowing, bright smile for the rest of your life, without the troubles dentures bring!
