We will be closed on 25th and 26th of November in observance of Thanksgiving

Caring For Dental Implants: 6 Effective Tips

Caring For Dental Implants: 6 Effective Tips

Feb 01, 2021

Thanks to advancements in the field of restorative dentistry, you no longer have to endure the embarrassment and discomfort of missing teeth. If you lose some of your teeth, our dentist at The Dental Co. of Leesburg could recommend dental implants depending on your needs.

Simply put, dental implants are artificial tooth roots on which false or permanent teeth are anchored. The implants are inserted in the jawbone, therefore becoming a permanent part of your mouth. after the dental implant treatment, one thing crucial for speeding up recovery is the care you accord to your implants. Do you take good care of them, or have you neglected them? Whatever action you take determines whether or not you will heal faster. Also, the period they will last depends on how well you take care of them.

This article discusses in depth some of the tips that will come in handy when caring for your dental implants.

Use a Soft-bristled Brush

After a dental implant procedure, you will most likely need to get another toothbrush. The new teeth anchored on the implants are still delicate and need to be handled with utmost care. That is why our dentists in Leesburg, VA, recommend switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially nylon ones. These have pliable bristles and are gentle on your implants. For those areas that are hard-to-reach with the toothbrush, a Proxabrush will come in handy.

Hard-bristled toothbrushes could scratch the implants’ surfaces, and the result could be a pain. To make it clear, once you have gotten your implants, avoid using metal instruments to clean the mouth. Regular brushing and flossing will do.

Ditch Abrasive Products

Another important tip to ensure your implants’ fast healing and longevity is to avoid abrasive cleaning products, whether it is mouthwash or toothpaste. According to Dr. Jane O. Stewart, DDS, such products could cause discomfort. Therefore you will have to go for gentle products. It could also help if you stopped using dental hygiene products with intense flavors such as cinnamon or mint to avoid any discomfort in the oral cavity.

Do not Forget to Floss

While many people brush religiously, most of them pay little or no attention to flossing. This shouldn’t be the case. After getting dental implants near you, you’re going to need flossing more than ever. Why is this the case? Because it is very easy for plaque to accumulate around the implants and cause serious oral health issues. The good news? There are varieties of braces meant for people with implants. If you are the type that often forgets this important oral hygiene routine, here are some tips to help you:

  • Set reminders on your mobile phone
  • Always keep some floss in your purse or car
  • See each flossing session as an achievement and reward yourself afterward
  • Do it as you watch TV

Avoid Hard/Sticky Foods

Consuming hard or sticky foods could damage your dental implants, not forgetting the opposing teeth. Foods such as ice, caramel, hard candies, potato chips, steak, apples, and crusty bread, among others, are not good for your mouth. For healthy dental implants, it would be wise to ditch them.

Go Easy on the Alcohol and Tobacco

Although quitting smoking and drinking is good for your general health, it is particularly beneficial to avoid these behaviors after getting dental implants. It should be remembered that dental implants could take close to half a year to heal, so smoking within this time frame could be detrimental. Also, studies link drinking alcohol to a slowed recovery journey.

The Visits should Never Stop

Now that you’ve gotten implants, do not imagine your dental woes are over. You will be in for a rude shock. Ensure you keep making the bi-annual visits after teeth replacement because there are several dental implant risks. When you follow this advice, your implants will be well-taken care of to give you long years of service, and your dentist will have an opportunity to inspect your mouth for any other oral issues.

Dental Implant Post-op Instructions

Immediately after the oral surgery, it is common to experience pain and some swelling for about a day. Therefore, this shouldn’t alarm you at all. Here are some things that will help you get through the pain and discomfort:

  • Bite on the sponges put inside your mouth to lessen the bleeding
  • Avoid unnecessary movements and ensure your head is elevates
  • Put a cold compress on the affected part of your face
  • Within the first 24 hours, consume only soft beverages and foods
  • Do not rinse your mouth
  • Take any prescribed medication

We are family-focused dentistry and our dentists are offering dental services around these areas of Leesburg, VA:

Book an Appointment

* Fields with asterisks are required.
Font Resize
Contrast
  Click to listen highlighted text!