Are you excited about geting your new dental implants? Implants not only improve your smile and boost confidence but also restore your chewing ability. With implants, you are able to enjoy your food and continue to lead the lifestyle you desire.
But, in order to retain that gorgeous smile and reap the benefits of your implants, you should establish a good dental regimen to take proper care of your implants.
Let’s discuss some crucial steps for dental implant care:
1. Use A Soft-Bristled Brush
The first thing you should do after the dental implant surgery is replace your old toothbrush. Invest in a soft, nylon-bristled brush because they are gentle on prosthetic teeth.
Brushes with stiff bristles can scratch the surface of your implants and aren’t recommended by dentists. You can also use tools like a Proxabrush, a cleaning accessory that look, to clean hard-to-reach areas. It is also imperative to brush and floss twice a day.
2. Floss Frequently
A majority of American adults don’t floss enough. Lack of flossing can cause problems to your teeth as well as your implants. This is because food particles tend to deposit around your implants. As it is difficult to reach every mouth area, bacteria accumulate, causing plaque.
3. Avoid Using Products With Harsh Ingredients
You should avoid products that are harsh on your implants. For example, some toothpaste and mouthwashes have abrasive chemicals that may harm your false teeth. Abrasive products can cause pain and discomfort. Therefore, it’s wise to invest in products approved by dentists and avoid any products with intense flavor.
4. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Besides causing health problems, smoking and alcohol consumption can damage your implants too. Your dental implants can take about 6 months or so to heal completely. Smoking or drinking during the healing process can be detrimental to implants.
So, you should skip smoking and drinking till the areas are completely healed. You will achieve better results if you quit these bad habits altogether.
5. Stay Away From Sticky Or Hard Foods
Sticky or hard foods damage implants. Moist food tends to adhere to teeth and cause dental problems. Hard food can crack and chip your implants. As a result, you may need to repair the implants and end up spending even more money.
Dr. Khalil Mjahed of District Dentistry Charlotte advises you avoid foods like ice, hard candies, dried fruit, steak, crusty bread, hardshell tacos, and caramel.
6. Never Skip Visits To Your Dentist
While you may solve many dental concerns with implants, you still need to visit your dentist for other dental hygiene issues. Regular checkups and deep cleanings are essential to ensure your remaining teeth, gum, and implants stay in good shape.
Try to schedule in a visit to your dental specialist twice every year.
Some Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid moving your mouth or head for the first 8-12 hours after the surgery.
- You can hold an ice pack to your face every 15 minutes to stop bleeding.
- Only consume soft food and cold beverages for the next 24 hours
- Avoid eating any hot food right after the procedure
- Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours
- Take medicines prescribed by your oral surgeon
Implant Dentist In Charlotte Uptown
Need to consult with Dr. K about implants? We are just a phone call away! You can call us at
704-910-5006 and book an appointment with our dentist. You can also check our website and schedule a meeting online.
Not insured? Don’t worry! We offer implant treatment plans for uninsured patients too.
