With the advent of dental implants, individuals with missing or significantly damaged teeth have a reliable treatment option to return the natural function and genuine appearance of their smile. Ongoing studies over the last half-century report more than a 90% success rate for implant cases.
The ongoing utility of dental implants, however, depends greatly on how well they are maintained. Good oral hygiene practices are essential before, during, and after implant placement to ensure the longevity of your restored smile.
Dr. Ward Clemmons has dedicated hundreds of hours studying implant placement and, at your consultation visit, he will be more than happy to share information with you about properly caring for your smile after this procedure. In the meantime, read up on some of the best tips for maintaining your brand-new teeth here!
Brushing and Flossing
Being able to treat dental implants as if they were your natural teeth is one of the most beneficial features of these prosthetics. That means, once the healing process has finished, you can brush and floss just as you had before experiencing tooth loss. However, immediately after receiving dental implants, you will not be able to return to your normal brushing and flossing routine. We recommend brushing very gently around the surgical site until it can endure regular pressure.
Diet and Exercise
Even if you feel active after dental implant placement, it’s important to rest and refrain from any strenuous activity. Rigorous exercise right after surgery can lead to increased bleeding, swelling, and pain. With these risks at play, it’s typically best to stick to couch or bed rest for the first few days.
During the recovery period, it may be difficult to find a way to eat properly and without aggravating the healing implants. Between swelling and the discomfort you might be feeling, sticking to foods that do not require much chewing, such as those that have been pureed, is generally ideal both for you and the recently placed implants. Once you’ve gotten the green light from your dentist and feel ready, you can begin incorporating harder foods back into your diet.
Pain and Swelling
Naturally, you will experience some pain and discomfort immediately after surgery. The first few days are typically the most intense of the entire healing process. Using a cold compress in the area can minimize this discomfort and provide relief by decreasing the swelling. To help manage pain, you can use over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol®, Aleve®, or ibuprofen. Your dentist can also prescribe medication, as necessary, to alleviate any discomfort.
Contact your dentist immediately if either swelling or pain becomes persistent or sharply increase in severity.
Give Us a Call for More Information!
To some, the prospect of receiving dental implants can seem overwhelming, and it may not be clear where or how to begin the journey toward a wholly renewed smile. The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Ward W. Clemmons DDS Implant & General Dentistry can help you decide whether dental implants are right for you and answer any questions that you may have about the procedure. Schedule your consultation at our Fort Smith practice today to learn more!