SANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA
Have you received a dental implant to replace your missing tooth? If so, congratulations are in order! You’ve made a great choice for your oral health and self-esteem. No other method of tooth replacement looks and feels more like a real tooth and, with proper care, your implant should last for the rest of your life – with “proper care” being the key phrase. Not to worry; your implant dentist in Scotts Valley has you covered. Check out these care tips for dental implants.
Tip 1: Lifestyle changes
Did you just have your implant screw inserted into the jawbone? You’ll need to quit smoking before your implant screw is placed and, while you heal from the installation, you also need to avoid smoking. This is because smoking can hinder the healing process. The same goes for drinking alcohol while you heal from the placement of the implant screw.
Tip 2: Post-procedure aftercare
You should be prepared for the immediate aftermath of your implant surgery. There will be some pain and swelling for about a day after the procedure. This is normal. Use the sponges that were placed in your mouth by our team of dental professionals to control bleeding. Avoid excessive movement and keep your head elevated for the first 8-12 hours after your implant is placed. Use an ice pack at 15-minute intervals to help manage swelling. Eat a diet of soft foods and avoid rinsing your mouth for the first day after the procedure.
Tip 3: Get a nylon toothbrush
If you have an implant, you already know you can brush it the same way you would your natural teeth. For a dental implant, though, the best choice is to use a nylon toothbrush. Nylon toothbrushes are softer, with bristles that are more pliable and will not scratch a dental implant, which can happen with hard-bristled toothbrushes.
Tip 4: Avoid abrasive products and intense flavors
When it comes time to buy toothpaste and mouthwash, opt for products made for patients with sensitive teeth. If you use a product that is too strong or abrasive, it can cause discomfort. The same goes for oral care products that have a strong flavor, such as mint or cinnamon.
Tip 5: Don’t forget to floss
Even though the American Dental Association recommends that everyone floss daily, the vast majority of people in the United States do not follow this directive. If you have a dental implant, you don’t need to be one of them. Even though your implant is durable, cavity-causing plaque and bacteria still can accumulate around your replacement tooth. The best way to clean these narrow spaces is by, you guessed it, flossing. There are even certain types of floss available that specifically are made for dental implants.
Tip 6: Keep seeing your dentist
To ensure your implant lasts the rest of your life, you need to maintain a schedule of regular dental checkups every six months. This is a key component of a general regimen of oral care and will help ensure that your implants last for the rest of your life.
Dental implants in Los Gatos, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz in California
We hope you find this guide helpful in caring for your dental implant. If you’ve been living with missing teeth and you’re interested in an implant to restore your smile, then take the next step and schedule a consultation with Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry today by calling (831) 438-4411.
