Dental Implants Aftercare

Missing teeth can not only mar your smile but also be a harbinger of your becoming edentulous as even a single missing tooth can result in the other teeth to waft sideways to fill in the gap. The result – more gaps which in turn, increase the susceptibility of the teeth to decay. Missing teeth can also cause an improper bite and interfere with one’s speech.

One solution to replace missing teeth is to get dental implants. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) states that dental implants, with a success rate of nearly 95 percent are the best solution to restore lost teeth.    

Getting teeth implants can help one eat better and speak comfortably. Besides, one need not keep the lips pursed when laughing!

Dental implants could definitely be the closest replication of your lost teeth but being the sophisticated new-age treatment, they don’t come cheap. Cost is the main concern for most people considering dental implants, but you should be able to find cheaper alternatives. Dental tourism is an upward spiraling trend and dental implants in Costa Rica, Mexico, India, Thailand, etc. come way cheaper than in the rich parts of the world.

For those who have decided to go ahead with getting teeth implants, it is of cardinal importance to take care of their “artificial teeth” just as they would take care of their natural teeth. Here are some important points on the aftercare of dental implants –

Managing Bleeding, Swelling and Pain

Apply cold compresses to your face over the site of the surgery to manage swelling. Placing a gauze-pack over the surgery site can help control bleeding. After the effects of anesthetics subside, one might experience mild pain which can be managed by taking analgesics as prescribed by the dentist.

 Diet

During the first 24 hours after the dental implantation surgery, hot food stuffs and beverages are a strict no-no. Stick to soft foods for at least 5 to 7 days after getting the implants. You can include yogurt and soft cheeses in your diet. Fruits which can be easily pulverized such as ripe peaches and pears are a good option too. You can also opt for mashed potatoes and boiled vegetables so as not to put pressure on your implants.

Rice and grits are other soft foods that can be added to the diet to be followed immediately after getting teeth implants.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Cleaning your artificial teeth frequently is important for the success of your implants.

Make sure to rinse twice using a mouthwash. Use dental floss to clean all the tiny recesses between your teeth. This will help keep a check on plaque buildup around the implants. Plaque formation can result in inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implants which is also known as peri-implantitis.

Also, make sure that you schedule at least two dental checkups in a year.

Steer Clear of Damaging Habits

Abstain from gnawing on hard objects such as ice cubes and candy. Bruxism or the habit of clenching and grinding teeth can put the success of your dental implants into jeopardy. Get yourself treated if you have the habit of gnashing your teeth.

Avoid drinking through a straw for at least 72 hours after the surgery. Remember not to probe the surgery site with your fingers or tongue.

Simmer down the fitness-junkie in you for a while! Vigorous exercising can interfere with the healing process.

Abstain from Smoking

Kick that cigarette butt if you don’t want your dental implants to fail. Dental implants can cost quite a fortune. Many consider getting dental implants in Mexico where these cost a fraction of the prices charged in First World. However, your entire effort of traveling to a foreign land to get teeth implants can go waste if you do not give up smoking. According to a study published in the February 2007 edition of The Journal of Periodontology, the risk of implant failure is nearly 10% in light to moderate smokers. Heavy smokers (who consume more than 20 cigarettes a day) face a 31% risk of implant failure!   

Remember - the onus of maintaining the longevity of your dental implants is on you. The success of your teeth implants boils down to religiously following the instructions of your implantologist and observing exceptional oral hygiene practices.