Recovery Tips For Dental Implant Patients
A dental implant is one of the most effective solutions for replacing a missing tooth. After a patient has received a dental implant, it is important for them to make sure that they are following some basic steps to avoid encountering complications or problems with their new implant.
Keep The Implant Site Clean
As with any other type of surgical procedure, patients will need to make a diligent effort to keep the implant site as clean as possible. When patients fail to keep the implant site clean, they can be far more prone to developing a serious infection. In some instances, this infection can even lead to the implant failing to properly bond to the bones in the jaw. This is particularly important during the early stages of the recovery process, as this will be when the gums are the most exposed to bacteria. To help patients avoid these problems, it is common for dentists to provide prescription mouthwashes that will be able to neutralize the majority of the bacteria that could cause infections.
Adhere To Any Dietary Restrictions
During the bonding process, it is important for the implant to avoid being disturbed. Unfortunately, if individuals eat hard foods, it could lead to the implant getting disturbed, which can slow the healing process. Dental implant patients will often be advised to avoid hard, sticky, or otherwise problematic foods while the implant heals. Once the implant has bonded, these restrictions will be lifted, but it is vital to follow them during the healing process. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a list of the types of foods that you should avoid during this time, as well as the timeframe until you are able to eat them again.
Brush And Floss The Implant
Despite the dental implant being impervious to decay, it is still necessary for patients to make a diligent effort to brush and floss it. This is necessary as the bacteria on the implanted tooth can cause problems for the rest of your mouth. One way it can do this is through contributing to gum disease. Additionally, the teeth that are adjacent to the implant can be more prone to decay as a result of the plaque and tartar spreading from the implanted tooth. By making sure to brush and floss your implanted tooth the same way that you would a natural tooth, you can keep it clean enough to avoid these issues so your smile looks and feels as good as possible.
For more information, contact dental clinics like Nova Premier Dental.