For people who are missing teeth, dental implants are a great permanent solution. They prevent the deterioration of the jawbone, look natural, and act like real teeth. Over 3 million Americans have been experiencing the benefits and that number is growing by 500,000 annually. Until you can fully appreciate the benefits, it’s important to care for them properly so they can heal. In order to avoid infections, follow these aftercare tips. You will be loving your dental implants from Marietta in no time!
Rinse Regularly
After you get your dental implants, it’s extremely important to rinse your mouth regularly using saltwater. When a wound is healing, it is much more prone to bacteria growth and infections. By rinsing, you are killing bacteria and helping to keep the area clean.
Visit Your Dentist
Seeing your dentist every few weeks is necessary when your implants are still healing. He will examine them to ensure that they are healing properly and that there are no early signs of infection.
Maintain Dental Hygiene
Keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine is a must. By brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, you are reducing the likelihood of your implants becoming infected. Remember to be especially careful around the wound to avoid aggravating it.
Eat Soft Foods
For the first few weeks after your procedure, it is best to avoid hard, crunchy foods. Opt for softer foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, and scrambled eggs. This prevents you from disturbing the implants while they are still healing. After your implants finish healing, you’ll be able to eat practically anything you want!
Don’t Smoke
There are many reasons to avoid smoking. It has negative effects on the body, especially after having a surgical procedure like dental implants. Smoking affects your body’s ability to heal properly and introduces bacteria into the mouth. This can lead to infections. Definitely avoid smoking for a week before and after getting implants.
Cut Out Sugary Foods and Beverages
Foods and beverages that have high sugar content can leave behind particles in hard to reach places. This increases the number of bacteria in your mouth which leads to a higher risk of infection. Avoid sugary foods to allow the implants to heal properly.
If you’re getting or recently got dental implants, remember to follow these preventive measures to lower your risk for infections. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist so you can have a smooth healing process and reap the benefits of your restored smile!