When you’re missing teeth, it’s not uncommon for your jaw to shrink to compensate, which affects appearance and comfort. With dental implants, this process can be reversed, restoring your beautiful, natural smile! Some people live for years, needlessly suffering from missing teeth. After discovering dental implants, they find a renewed self-confidence and peace of mind that allows them to do things they never thought possible. Dental implants improve your appearance, restore normal chewing, preserve facial structure, and prevent further bone deterioration. Dental implants are more aesthetically pleasing and require far less maintenance than traditional types of tooth restoration, such as dentures. They don’t slip or must be removed at night, aren’t cumbersome or uncomfortable, and are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Plus, they’re permanent and last a lifetime!

Part of the tooth implant process is aftercare: properly looking after your mouth, teeth, and gums and caring for the implant site. Proper dental implant aftercare is essential to ensure the success of the implant and promote optimal healing. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. After the implant surgery, following specific aftercare instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery process.

Here are some of our tips to keep your dental implant in tip-top condition:

  • To begin with, eat only soft foods and avoid eating anything that could get stuck in the implant site. Stick to a soft diet for the first few days, incorporating soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
  • Use over-the-counter painkillers for as long as required/directed.
  • Rinse the area with antiseptic mouthwash twice daily during healing or use warm salt water.
  • Avoid brushing the area until the stitches have been removed or have dissolved. Avoid poking the surgical site with your tongue or fingers.
  • Do not smoke, which can affect the healing process.
  • Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive alcohol intake can affect healing.
  • If possible, avoid using blood-thinning medications or supplements unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
  • Stay well-hydrated, but avoid using straws, as suction can disrupt healing.
  • Refrain from strenuous physical activities during the initial days of recovery.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your oral surgeon or dentist to monitor the healing process.
  • Adhere to any specific post-surgery instructions provided by your oral surgeon or dentist. Your dentist will ask to see you for routine follow-up appointments so they can monitor how the site is healing.
  • Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge.

After healing, maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to ensure your implants last long. Caring for your dental implants is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, eat a healthy diet, and remember to see the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings! If you want a dental implant for your missing tooth or teeth, book an appointment today, and our expert dentists will thoroughly examine your case.

For more information about dental implants, please call our office at (866) 734-3374 or contact us online. Schedule your consultation with the best dentist in Cambridge, MA!