Did you know you can directly impact the success of your dental implants?
The foods you eat, the dental care products you use, and how you care for your surrounding teeth and gums are just some of the factors that can affect your implants.
Explore our guide and learn how to take care of your dental implants after placement and well into the future.
Enjoy a Faster, More Successful Recovery
The way you care for your implants during the first few days following your treatment are vital to their success. Dr. Alfano recommends:
- Avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption — both of these can affect your blood flow and delay your bodies natural healing response.
- Staying clear of hard or sticky foods that can damage your implant. Dr. Alfano suggests eating soft or pureed foods and drinking only clear liquids.
- Rinse with salt water multiple times a day to rid the surgical site of debris and bacteria, as well as decrease inflammation. Spitting the water out could dislodge the blood clot that’s helping to heal the implant, so we encourage our patients to let the water flow from the corner of their mouths.
- Refrain from using straws or spitting. As we previously mentioned, dislodging the blood clot can stop the surgical site from healing fully.
Long-term Dental Implant Care
Once the initial healing process is complete, follow these guidelines to make sure your dental implants remain healthy and attractive for years to come.
Increase the Longevity of Your Metal-Free Implants
The easiest way to ensure that your entire smile stays healthy is by continuing to brush and floss after meals and before bed. If you need a little extra protection, you can rinse with mouthwash at the end of your care regimen.
One reason implants fail is because the gums that support them aren’t healthy. In these situations, Dr. Alfano may instruct his patients to remove the disease-causing bacteria and debris by thoroughly cleaning them during your hygiene routine.
Selecting Gentle Care Products
Dr. Alfano advises choosing gentle oral care products because they have less of a chance to scratch or damage the implant. If you follow these recommendations, your metal-free implant will stay attractive and healthy for years to come.
- Toothpaste: Choose a toothpaste that doesn’t contain harsh, abrasive ingredients. For example, avoid whitening toothpaste.
- Toothbrush: The softer the bristles, the less likely you’ll scratch your implant or irritate your gums while brushing your teeth.
- Floss: We recommend using nylon-coated floss because it’s designed to glide along the surfaces of your teeth, implants, and gums or using floss designed specially for dental implants.
- Mouthwash: Mouthwash is a great way to protect your smile and eliminate bacteria. Just avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol because it can cause dry mouth and slow the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the healing process take for dental implants?
The healing process typically takes about two weeks, but the first 48 hours after your surgery are especially critical in ensuring a healthy recovery. Make sure to follow all instructions from Dr. Alfano during this time to avoid setting back your treatment.
What can I eat after dental implant surgery?
During your initial recovery, eating may be difficult and uncomfortable. We recommend avoiding crunchy and hard foods for at least a week. Try eating softer foods instead, like mashed potatoes, applesauce, and smoothies. This will prevent any damage to your surgical site and help your implant heal faster.
Contact Dr. Alfano Today!
At Balboa Island Dentistry, Dr. Alfano can help keep your metal-free implant healthy while you heal. If you notice any issues following your treatment, give us a call, and we’ll get you in as quickly as possible.
Protect your implant by maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Also, remember to schedule your routine visits with Dr. Alfano by calling at (949) 205-1259 or filling out our contact form at the bottom of this page. This time will give him a chance to monitor your oral health and ensure the best possible outcome following treatment.