See How You Can Ensure Implant Success
Once you leave our Tampa dental office with your fully restored smile, there are still some things you should know and tips to follow for an easy recovery and long-term success. We’ve put together a brief implant care guide for you to follow so your smile can shine flawlessly for years to come.
Post-Op Care for a Fast Recovery
Within the first few days following your procedure, it’s best to take caution with the things you eat and do that may affect your mouth. Dr. Jockin recommends that you:
- Don’t eat any hard or sticky foods that could get stuck in your surgical site and cause an infection.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco because these both can reduce your blood flow and prevent you from healing properly.
- Rinse out your mouth with salt water two to three times a day to clean around the implant and reduce any inflammation.
- Don’t use a straw or spit because these can apply unwanted pressure on the area and impede your healing process.
Consider Your Long-Term Health
Don’t forget that there are certain things you can do to ensure the long-term success of your implants also. Maintaining good oral health, using the right products, and checking in with Dr. Jockin are all easy steps to follow for a healthy smile.
Focus on Good Oral Health
Taking care of your overall oral health is always important if you want a beautiful, healthy smile. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash should be a part of your daily dental hygiene routine. By doing so, you’re helping maintain the best possible health for your teeth and gums in order to prevent infection and disease.
If you don’t have good oral health and you allow your gums to get infected, this can lead to failure for your dental implants. When bacteria and food particles begin to build up and settle below your gum line, it can infect the tissue around your implant and cause peri-implantitis.
This disease can threaten the success of your dental implant as it causes bone loss and can ultimately loosen the post that’s secured in your jaw. As long as you regularly and properly clean your teeth, gums, and mouth, you’ll be able to prevent peri-implantitis and enjoy your bright, beautiful smile.
Tips for Buying the Right Products
When you care for your implants, you conveniently follow the same process as you do with your natural teeth. However, some products are better for your restorations than others, so it’s crucial to follow these tips:
- Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled brush that won’t scratch
- Toothpaste: Find one that doesn’t contain any abrasive ingredients
- Floss: Pick out a nylon coated floss or one made for dental implants
- Mouthwash: Avoid any that contains alcohol because it can dry out your mouth
Come in for Your Regular Check-Ups
Don’t forget to continue to schedule your biannual dental appointments and professional cleanings. Dr. Jockin will stay updated with the success of your implants and ensure there aren’t any problems with them.
If you have further questions about the first few days of your healing process or have any concerns about your implants, don’t hesitate to give us a call.