Dental implants can last 30+ years, and with proper oral hygiene and dental implant care, you may even be able to keep them for the rest of your life. But you may be wondering what, exactly, you need to do to keep your new dental implants healthy. In this blog from the office of Brett Blacher, DDS, we’ll go over some of the basics.
1. Follow Dr. Blacher’s Instructions As You Recover From Surgery
If you’re wondering what to do after your dental implant surgery, don’t worry. Dr. Blacher will give you a full set of recovery instructions that you’ll need to follow. You’ll need to make a few lifestyle changes during your recovery period, such as:
- Taking a day or two off of work or school, if possible
- Avoiding heavy exercise for a few days
- Eating a diet of mostly soft foods while your implant heals
- Brushing your teeth but avoiding the implant site for a few days
- Rinsing the implant site with a salt water rinse
- Taking prescribed medication to help with pain and reduce your risk of infection
After about a week, your mouth will feel mostly normal, and you should be fully healed within 2 weeks. Make sure to come to any follow-ups as scheduled in Lombard so that Dr. Blacher can check on your progress.
2. Don’t Smoke For At Least Six Months, And Consider Quitting Permanently
You should not smoke or use tobacco products at all as your implant heals. It takes up to 6 months for your implant to permanently bond with your jaw bone. Smoking or using tobacco during this time can dramatically increase your risk of complications.
Even after your dental implant is fully healed, smoking is horrible for your oral health and for your overall health. Getting a dental implant is the perfect opportunity to quit tobacco use permanently.
3. Brush Twice A Day And Floss Once A Day
Once you’ve gotten your new tooth, you should treat your dental implant just like a natural tooth. That means you should brush twice a day for 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste, and you should floss once per day. Proper oral hygiene will keep both your dental implants and your natural teeth healthy, so don’t neglect this step.
4. Eat A Tooth-Healthy Diet
You can eat whatever you want with a dental implant. Since it’s anchored to your jaw, you don’t really have to worry about it shifting or moving while you chew, even if you eat sticky or tough foods.
But you should try to eat a tooth-healthy diet. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as well as really sugary or starchy snacks. Instead of eating processed foods, eat more healthy dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. These foods will help keep your mouth and your implants healthy.
5. Come Back To Our Office Every Six Months For A Checkup
Six-month checkups let Dr. Blacher and our team check on your overall oral health. This includes both your natural teeth and your implants. With routine checkups at the office of Brett Blacher, DDS, you’ll get valuable peace of mind. Make sure to visit us twice each year, and we’ll make sure your implants are in perfect shape.
Are You Interested In Dental Implants in Lombard? Contact Us For An Appointment Today!
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Lombard, Dr. Brett Blacher is here to help. As an experienced implant dentist, he can discuss all of your options for tooth replacement, and make sure that implants are right for your unique situation. To learn more and get started, just contact us online or give us a call at (630) 916-0701.
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