Top Tips for Taking Care of Dental Implants
A dental implant is a prosthetic root a dentist installs into your gum to replace a natural root that’s no longer there. The goal of the implant is to have an artificial tooth installed onto the root that becomes a permanent addition to your mouth.
Dental Implant experts tell us that many people prefer dental implants over bridges and dentures because they operate so naturally as regular teeth. Unlike bridges, they also don’t require you to have a tooth on either side to be able to fill the gap.
However, once you receive a dental implant, you need to take care of it properly. Otherwise, you run the risk of all sorts of problems like infection. Here are a few helpful tips that your dentist may recommend as well.
Don’t Touch the Area
Immediately after getting the dental implant, it can be hard to resist checking out the area with your tongue. However, you mustn’t do. After a dental procedure, your mouth is sensitive, and the gum can end up swelling or bleeding. You can speed up the healing process by leaving the new implant alone.
Be Careful with Food
In the first few days after getting your dental implant, it pays to be careful with how and what you consume. Don’t chew on the side of your mouth with an implant, and stick with soft food like porridge and drinks. It also helps to avoid overly hot or cold food that could delay healing. You can gradually get your eating habits back to normal in a few days.
Use a Soft Brush
Once you have a crown and implant, you must adapt your brushing process slightly. Use a nylon soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean between the teeth and in hard-to-reach crevices. Be gentle, and use a pure nylon brush to avoid scratching your new tooth.
Be Picky with Dental Products
Ask your dentist about the products they recommend to care for your new dental implant. Non-abrasive, gentle cleaning products that are suitable for sensitive teeth are going to be your best option.
Consider Water Flossers
Even though you may not have used an oral irrigator or water flosser in the past, the addition of a dental implant can mean it’s something worth considering. A water flosser can help to reduce the build-up of plaque around your implants. Ask your dentist for a list of brands and suppliers they recommend.
Whether you’re about to get a dental implant or you’re considering one, you will be pleased to know it can transform your eating, speaking, and confidence levels. Talk to your dentist about how to care for your implant post-surgery.