What You Should Know About Dental Implant Aftercare

The proper care of dental implants following dental implant placement is absolutely essential to long-term success. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of dental implant aftercare is to ensure that the mouth remains as clean as possible at all times. It is equally important to clean the dental implants, as it is to clean the remaining natural teeth with a toothbrush as you normally would. The cleaning process can begin the same day following surgery after you arrive home.

Using Warm Water And Salt To Mouthwash Every Day

That said avoid hard brushing with hard bristles especially near the surgical site for at least the first few days. Once the inflammation and tenderness have subsided it is a good idea to gently brush the area of the surgery within the first few days. Emphasis should be placed on slow and gentle cleaning strokes avoiding hard abrupt brushing at all costs. Equally effective is that of using warm water and salt to mouthwash every day for the first few weeks. A little bit of warm water and salt mixed together can go a long way in reducing bacteria in the mouth and keeping the entire area clean.

Avoid Smoking Until Long After The Wound Has Completely Healed

When eating, it is best to keep food away from the surgical area as much as possible. Always rinse immediately following a meal as a way to avoid getting food particles caught in the surgical site. Finally, those who have just had dental implants placed should avoid smoking until long after the wound has completely healed. Keep in mind that the toxins and chemicals in cigarette smoke can actually delay the healing process. As a note, also avoid very cold or very hot drinks especially before the anesthesia has completely worn off. Some mild pain, bruising and swelling is normal following dental surgery. To learn more about aftercare following dental implant placement, talk with your dentists in Pinole, Dr. Azadeh Hosseini and Dr. Ghazal Hosseini at Top Pinole Dental.

References:
[1] My Dental Implant Options
[2] Multiple Missing Teeth and Dental Implant Options
[3] Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges