People who have been recommended to get dental implants may be wondering how to take care of them after surgery. Implants are artificial teeth held in place by metal posts positioned in the gums. They are constructed to look and function like natural teeth; thus, managing them is similar to caring for regular teeth. Once the post, abutment, and crown are surgically placed in the mouth, dental patients are responsible for taking good care of their implants to ensure a longer life.
Immediately following the final phase of dental implant surgery, patients may experience common discomforts including swelling, bruising, pain, and minor bleeding. Medication may be prescribed by a dental professional to help minimize pain during the first few days.
Individuals need to eat a diet that consists mostly of soft foods, and avoid using straws for at least two or three days. Foods and liquids that are extremely hot should be avoided, as well as foods like popcorn, rice, and nuts that can become easily lodged in the surgical site.
Swelling can be managed by holding an ice pack on the jaw. Placing a cold ice pack on the area for about 15 minutes at a time reduces swelling and inflammation.
A few days after getting dental implants, patients should notice improvements in their condition. If symptoms get worse after the first week, contact a dental professional who can address any issues with proper healing. Otherwise, people should follow the instructions given by dental professionals to take care of implants.
First, individuals should practice good oral care. Brush all teeth, both natural and artificial, at least twice a day and floss once a day. If desired, patients can use an interdental brush to clean in between the teeth more effectively.
Next, people should visit a dental professional at least twice a year. Some patients may need to schedule dental visits more frequently depending on symptoms. It is particularly important to have regular check-ups to examine the health and function of the implants.
Finally, there are a variety of habits that cause damage to teeth, including smoking, teeth grinding, and consuming tooth-staining products. As well as avoiding these, it is wise for patients to not bite ice and hard candy because it can break the crowns on implants. All of these habits can lead to premature damage and should be avoided.
It typically takes several months for implants to completely bond with the jawbone. However, by two weeks after surgery individuals should notice an improvement in pain. If patients notice any signs of new pain or pain that has not gone away after two weeks, then they should schedule an appointment with a dental professional.
The majority of dental implants are inserted successfully with no complications. To help ensure this, individuals should follow the recommendations from a dental professional to take good care of their implants.
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