For many people, dental implants are life-changing, as they drastically improve the appearance of the smile and increase overall comfort and function. That said, the process of installing implants is invasive, requiring several surgeries. As with any surgery, proper care post-implantation is key to preventing infection and ensuring the procedure’s success.
Any area of the body that undergoes surgery becomes exposed for a while and takes time to heal, meaning it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The good news is that the risk of infection after dental implant surgery is relatively low, and even treating infection can be easy if a patient sees a dentist after developing warning signs. Symptoms of infection include the following:
All of these symptoms can typically be avoided with proper care post-implant surgery.
A robust oral hygiene routine is a recommended way to prevent an infection from occurring after dental implant surgery. An implant patient’s oral hygiene routine should consist of gently brushing twice a day as normal. Regular brushing helps to prevent the buildup of infection-causing bacteria.
In addition to brushing, patients should also floss regularly. Flossing helps to remove the food particles that a toothbrush cannot reach and ensures that the gums and teeth have a healthy environment in which they can thrive.
An essential aspect of the dental implant healing process is rinsing. Patients are advised to rinse the mouth once or twice a day with a dentist-approved mouthwash or a saltwater solution. When the wound is healing, it is much more prone to infection from stubborn bacteria. Rinsing helps to control bacteria buildup and, subsequently, reduce the risk of infection.
Smoking not only invites a ton of bacteria into the mouth but also jeopardizes the body’s ability to heal properly. As a result, it is one of the worst things a patient can do post-implant surgery. Dentists advise patients to avoid smoking both prior to and following surgery.
Sugar is bad for the gums at any time, but it is especially damaging to gums that are in the healing process. At least while the implants heal, patients should avoid foods and beverages that contain a lot of sugar, as it can cause excess bacteria buildup. Sugar particles are also extremely small and can hide in the deepest crevices of the mouth, including within the site of the surgery.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in San Antonio, TX.
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, but only if the initial implantation succeeds. If you want your procedure to be a success, talk to a dentist about ways to care for the implants immediately following the surgery and long into the future.
Request an appointment or call Rim Dental at 210-693-1939 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
You may have heard a lot about dental implants and how they can change your smile and appearance. Implants have many benefits and offer advantages that other tooth-replacement treatments cannot match. You can expect improved health and wellness when you have implants, as well. One of the most significant differences you will see is in…
For those who severely damage or lose a permanent tooth, dental implants can restore the appearance and function of a healthy smile. This option produces a durable and more natural-looking replacement than other alternatives, such as crowns or bridges. While the treatment process can be lengthy, most patients find they can return to a normal…
Gum disease, if left untreated, often results in tooth loss, leaving many patients to wonder if they can get dental implants. Even gum disease patients who do not develop the advanced form of the disease, known as periodontitis, may want to replace missing or decayed teeth with implants. Is this possible, or will unhealthy gums…
You may have a basic understanding of the differences between general dentistry and an emergency dentistry office. Still, it can be difficult to determine which to visit when you have an oral health concern. This resource provides you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your oral care, particularly whether to visit…
Seeking an emergency dentistry solution to tooth avulsion must happen right away. In this type of dental emergency, your chances of getting your tooth back in your mouth are higher if you go to the urgent dental care clinic. Knowing how this dental facility can help your situation can give you hope for recovering your…