Dental Implants Aftercare And Maintenance Guide

Dentists often give patients dental implants aftercare and maintenance guides after implant surgery. Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth because of their permanent nature.

However, do not expect your implants to last long if you don’t maintain them properly. Although implants don’t require extensive maintenance, it is still very important to ensure they are well cared for.

You care for your implants as you do for your natural teeth.

This article will show you the best dental implant aftercare guide recommended by our special dentist at Belmont Dental Surgery.

Dental Implant Aftercare Tips

After your dental implant surgery Perth, it is crucial to take some time off to heal before returning to regular daily activities. This is very important due to the fragility of the surgical area, especially if there was a preceding bone graft surgery.

1. Avoid Taking Hot Drinks and Foods 

Stay away from hot drinks and foods because the tissue around the surgical site is soft, and hot items can hinder the tissue and gums from healing.

2. Don’t Brush Too Vigorously

Avoid brushing aggressively after surgery, as the gums are tender and sensitive. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and to wait a few days before brushing near the implant area. Brush gently when you do so.

3. Don’t Rush To Consume Hard Foods

Avoid hard foods like nuts, hard fruits, and chewy candy in the days immediately after surgery. These foods can strain sensitive gums and possibly lead to pain, headaches, or bleeding. Allow the implants to heal properly before gradually introducing hard foods into your diet.

4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Just because implants have a high success rate doesn’t mean you don’t need to keep them clean. Dental implants are best cleaned the same way you would clean your natural teeth.

Practice good oral hygiene. Rinse your mouth after meals to erase any food particles stuck in your teeth.

Saline water is preferable for rinsing your mouth after a meal.

Dental Implant Maintenance

Even after the aftercare tips, you still have to maintain your implants properly. You don’t have to worry about the process. Dental implants don’t require high maintenance.

Simply adding a few changes to your lifestyle can do the trick.

• Brush twice a day, as recommended by dentists
• Use a soft toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste
• Use implant-specific floss to floss daily. It’s important to remove hard-to-reach food particles without harming the gums
• Avoid smoking. Smoking affects the quality of the implants and causes oral problems
• Rinse your mouth with an oral irrigator
• Visit your dentist about once every three months for a maintenance check-up

Dental Implant Care After Surgery

In most cases, your dentist will recommend some aftercare tips to follow if any issue arises. Because the gums and teeth are still sensitive, they are likely to develop specific problems. When these issues occur, you can follow the recommended steps.

Bleeding

After the first 48 hours after the surgery, you may still experience some bleeding. Apply pressure to such an area with moistened gauze and keep it in place for about 20 minutes.

If bleeding still occurs, contact your dentist.

Pain

Some slight discomfort and pain after implant surgery is normal. To address this, your dentist will prescribe anti-pain medications. Take them as prescribed for you. Your dentist may give you an antibiotic to prevent infection.

Swelling

If you notice swelling, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area. In the first 24-48 hours post-surgery, alternate the placement of the ice pack on the swollen regions.

Diet

Steer clear of extremely hot foods and refrain from rinsing your mouth after the surgery. Opt for soft foods and avoid chewing near the surgical site. Stay away from sticky foods (like chocolate and popcorn) and acidic items. Some good food choices are cheese, soups, scrambled eggs, and pasta. Wait until the anaesthesia wears off before attempting to eat to prevent any oral injury.

Oral Hygiene

Maintain your usual oral hygiene for parts of the mouth not affected by the surgery. For the areas that were operated on, brush with a light touch. It is a good idea to rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water after meals. You may experience some sensitivity, which typically lessens as time goes by, and the best way to handle it is by ensuring the area remains free from plaque. If you have serious concerns, it is best to see a dental specialist.

Antibiotics

Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to prevent and treat any infection. Take your antibiotics as prescribed by your dental care provider. Take the tablets until finished.

Do’s & Don’ts After Dental Implants

• Avoid hard foods like nuts. Eat soft foods for a minimum of six weeks.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Follow all the medications from your dentist.
• Avoid poking the surgical site area with your hand.
• Avoid using a brush on the surgical site.
• Avoid engagement in any rigorous exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

What I Can’t Do After a Dental Implant?

You can’t engage in exercise or any strenuous activity after a dental implant.

How Do I Take Care Of Myself After A Dental Implant?

Do not eat till the local anaesthesia has worn off. Avoid hot drinks and food. Do not disturb the area with your fingers or tongue.

Can I Get Food Under Implants?

Yes, you can, but avoid extremely hot and sticky foods.

How Often Do Dental Implants Need To Be Checked?

Dental implants need to be checked twice a year (bi-annual).

Do Dental Implants Require Special Care?

No, they do not require extensive care.

How Often Should Implant Maintenance Be Done?

Implant maintenance should be done every three to six months or as recommended by your dentist.

What Is The Normal Recovery Time For Dental Implants?

The normal recovery time for dental implants is 3 to 6 months, but it can vary based on individual factors and the complexity of the surgery.

Can I Eat Normally After Dental Implant Surgery?

After dental implant surgery, it is advisable to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days to weeks. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as the surgical site heals and as directed by your dentist.

How Can I Make My Implants Heal Faster?

To expedite the healing of implants, maintain good oral hygiene, avoid smoking, follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and avoid disturbing the surgical site.

Can I Brush My Teeth After Implant Surgery?

Yes, you can brush your teeth after implant surgery, but do so gently. Avoid brushing directly over the surgical site for the first few days, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

How Long After Dental Implant Surgery Can I Eat Normally?

Typically, patients can start eating normally after 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery, but it is essential to follow your dentist’s advice and gradually reintroduce harder foods as the surgical site heals.

Visit Belmont Dental Surgery To Get Proper Dental Implant Care

Your oral health is very important, especially after dental implant surgery. If you follow the recommended tips from the dental implants aftercare guide, you will have healthy and long-lasting implants.

Contact us to learn more about dental implants and how to maintain them. Our implant-specialist dentist will contact you and show you all you need to know about implants.

Your dental implants are safe and healthy when handled by our exceptional dentists.