Dental Implants Can Change Your Life
Missing teeth can cause oral problems and decrease your self-confidence, but dental implants can improve these aspects of your life. Dr. Klym will use these natural-looking restorations to replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of missing teeth if needed.
After your implants are placed, you’ll begin experiencing the many benefits. However, caring for them is a crucial part. Discover what steps to take after receiving dental implants to ensure they last a lifetime.
The Initial Recovery Period
The entire dental implants healing process usually takes about 14 days, but the initial 48 hours is the most critical part. During these first two days, you should be extra careful to keep your mouth clean while avoiding certain activities.
To ensure proper healing, Dr. Klym recommends that you:
- Rinse with salt water 2-3 times a day
- Keep physical activity to a minimum
- Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol
- Apply ice as needed
- Implement a diet consisting of softer foods
Long-term Dental Implant Care
The longevity of your dental implants depends on how you care for them. This means following Dr. Klym’s recommended tips while being consistent with your oral hygiene routine. If you follow the provided care tips, your implants can last for many years to come–even a lifetime, depending on your habits.
Maintain Proper Oral Care
Dental implants are designed to look just like your natural teeth and can be cared for the same way as well. While the implants themselves can’t become infected by bacteria, the areas around them can. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, you may experience gum disease or jawbone deterioration.
We suggest that you develop the following oral care routine to ensure your mouth stays healthy:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss at least once a day
- Rinse with mouthwash
- Visit Dr. Klym for bi-annual dental cleanings
What Products Are Best for Dental Implant Care?
While caring for your dental implants is the first step to maintaining your smile, choosing the right products is just as important. To avoid damaging your stunning restorations, Dr. Klym recommends using certain dental tools.
- Soft-bristled toothbrush– to keep your porcelain crowns from getting scratched
- Non-abrasive toothpaste — so that your dental implants don’t get worn down or damaged
- Nylon floss– to make it easier to remove all bacteria from between your teeth
- Alcohol-free mouthwash– so that your mouth doesn’t become dried out and attract bacteria
Follow-Up Appointments With Dr. Klym
It’s also important that you schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Klym. During these, he’ll thoroughly clean your teeth and ensure they’re healing properly. If you have any questions about dental implants or how to care for them, contact our office at 231-774-6819 or fill out our simple contact form below to get in touch with our staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
After you’ve received your dental implant, your jawbone will begin to heal and form a bond with the titanium post. This process typically takes about six months. When the healing is complete, you’ll return to our office where we’ll place your abutment—the connector that secures your new tooth to the implant. Once your gums have healed around the abutment, Dr. Klym will place your restoration and you can enjoy your new beautiful smile. You shouldn’t expect any serious pain during your recovery from your dental implant procedure. In most cases, standard doses of over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to manage pain symptoms. If you feel you are experiencing undue pain during your recovery, contact our Traverse City office so we can investigate the cause and provide relief. You can reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to the face and gums. Do not apply ice directly to your skin for extended periods, especially while you are still experiencing numbness after treatment. Just like with natural teeth, you’ll want to follow a regular oral hygiene routine to prevent the risk of infection. Dental implants are resistant to decay, so infections are rare. However, if an infection does happen, it can lead to implant failure. Signs of an infected dental implant include: If you notice any signs of infection, contact our office immediately by calling (231) 774-6819 so we can begin treatment right away. If caught early on, we may be able to reverse the infection and save your dental implant. While your jawbone is healing, you’ll want to stick to soft foods like pasta, soup, eggs, and other dishes that don’t require much chewing. During your initial recovery while your abutments are still tender, be sure to allow hot foods to cool off before eating. Treat yourself to cold deserts like smoothies and ice cream—these will be easy to eat and provide the same cooling relief as a cold compress. Take it easy during your recovery, and don’t put more strain on your healing implants than is necessary. There will be lots of time to enjoy your favorite meals when your restorations are attached!What is the next step after dental implants?
How can I manage discomfort during my initial recovery period?
How do I know if my dental implant is infected?
What sort of foods can I eat while waiting for my restorations?