How to Care For Dental Implants (5 Tips + Tricks!)
“Caring for your dental implants is essential to ensure they last a lifetime. Immediately after surgery, follow your aftercare instructions—eat soft foods, use an ice pack, and take any prescribed medications. Once you’ve recovered, floss daily to remove plaque around the implant, and choose gentle, non-abrasive oral care products like a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can hinder healing. Finally, schedule regular dental checkups at least twice a year to maintain the health of your implants and surrounding tissues. These steps will help keep your smile functional and beautiful for years to come.” – Dr. Robert G. Hall, Dental Experience: 30+ years.
Dental implants are a great restorative service to replace a missing tooth or teeth.
And they’re definitely an investment you want to take care of.
In fact:
Your dental implant post can last a lifetime when taken care of properly!
But what exactly does that entail?
In this quick blog, you’ll learn our top 5 tips on how to care for your dental implants.
Let’s get started!
1. Tips immediately after surgery
After inserting your implant post, complete your aftercare instructions to minimize pain or discomfort.
This includes:
- Consuming soft foods and beverages
- Using an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Using the sponges given to control bleeding
- Taking medications as directed by your doctor
P.S. Don’t drive yourself home after your procedure. Bring someone – you’ll most likely receive a local anesthetic and some type of sedation dentistry.
2. Floss daily
Most people brush their teeth twice a day. But sadly, the numbers drop when it comes to flossing daily!
Only 16% of American adults… opens in a new window to American Dental Association website… surveyed said they floss every day.
If you’re part of the 84% of people who aren’t flossing enough, it’s time to step your flossing game up!
Flossing is especially important with dental implants. Plaque, food particles, and bacteria can quickly accumulate around your implants.
Remember, your implant post is inserted into your jaw to act as your new tooth root. Take care of it by flossing!
3. Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smoking and alcohol affect more than your lungs and liver.
It’s essential to avoid these habits when you have implants, especially right after your procedure.
Healing time for dental implants ranges from three to eight months, so avoiding bad habits can prevent any problems during this healing period.
4. Avoid abrasive products
Abrasive products include:
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
No, that doesn’t mean throw away all of your oral health care things!
But when choosing these products, you want to prioritize your implant sensitivity.
For example:
When choosing a toothbrush, look for a soft nylon brush. It’s gentle on your implants in comparison to stiff bristles.
With toothpaste and mouthwash, intense flavors such as mint can cause an uncomfortable sensation.
Finding products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance… opens in a new window to American Dental Association… are also great to include in your oral health routine.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
The best way to take care of your implant is to see your dentist for routine cleanings.
Typically, you should aim to see your dentist at least twice a year. If you have dental hygiene issues, it may require more appointments.
Where can I get dental implants in Reston or Ashburn, VA?
Virginia Dental Solutions is proud to offer high-quality dental implants in Reston and Ashburn, VA.
Our dentists have the experience and skill to restore tooth function and give you the ability to talk, eat, and laugh with confidence again.
Ready to love your smile?
Or reach us by:
- Calling us in Reston at 703-437-8811
- Calling us in Ashburn at 703-858-0000
- Emailing us directly at [email protected]
Our offices are located in Reston… opens in a new window to Google Maps… and Ashburn, VA… opens in a new window to Google Maps…, serving surrounding communities of Herndon, Great Falls, Vienna, Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Annandale, Burke, Brambleton, Landsdowne, Leesburg, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill, Aldie, Centreville, McLean, Broadlands, and Sterling.
