A Guide To Post-Fitting Care For Dental Implants
So, you’ve finally taken the leap and have had oral implants fitted; good for you!
Having oral implants fitted will improve your confidence, your smile and will help you to maintain good oral and physical health.
And while the fitting is important to the success of the implant, aftercare should not be overlooked. Once the implant(s) has been fitted and you leave the surgery, you may realise that you forgot to ask your dentist that aching question about keeping the implant site clean, or how to spot an issue if it occurs.
Not to worry; this article can serve as a guide to the general aftercare of your dental implants in Melbourne, helping your new teeth to fuse successfully and provide you with a lifetime of great-looking smiles.
Brushing
As odd as it may sound, once you have had your dental implants from Melbourne fitted, you should refrain from brushing the implant site. While the implant may seem secure in your jaw, brushing around the implant site may cause it to wobble or set at an incorrect angle and so, to keep the implant site clean, swill a lukewarm, saltwater mix up to 4 times per day. Of course, you should still brush any natural teeth in your mouth but do so with care to not disturb the implant.
During your post-surgery visits, your dental team will be able to advise you on when it is suitable for you to brush the implant site.
Eating
In a similar vein to aftercare for a dental extraction, you need to be careful about what you eat in those first few days post-fitting. Try to eat soft, healthy foods, such as mashed vegetables, soups and soft fruits, as your body needs the nutrition for the site of your dental implants near Melbourne to heal. And, similar to the brushing, you don’t want to be consuming any harder foods which may cause the implant to move.
Drinking
While it may not seem as important as keeping pressure off of the implant, it is important to drink as much water and nutritious drinks like fruit juice as possible. Of course, you may want to avoid acidic drinks, as this can aggravate the inflamed gum around the implant site.
Refrain from consuming alcohol until your dentist gives you the all-clear and, during those first few days post-fitting, try to consume lukewarm drinks to avoid causing discomfort.
Smoking
Smoking is generally frowned upon by dentists and so, if you smoke during the healing time of your implant, it can cause delays or even infections to set it. You may wish to discuss smoking cessation tips with your dental team prior to having your oral implants fitted.
Dental visits
It is important to attend any follow-up visits with your dental team, to ensure the implant site does not become infected. If you have concerns between dental visits with the colour, feel or any sensations you may be experiencing around your oral implant site, contact your dental team immediately.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.