The Week After Dental Implant Surgery
The first week after implant surgery is the most important phase of your treatment. During this time while your jaw is healing, it’s essential to treat your teeth and gums with extra caution.
Dr. Kovacevic especially recommends the following guidelines:
- Don’t eat sticky, chewy, or tough foods — Chewy or sticky foods such as gummies and caramel, as well as tough foods like steak and raw vegetables, can damage your implant and lead to infection. Stick to a diet of soft foods and clear liquids.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking — Drinking alcohol or smoking will dry out your mouth and reduce your blood flow. Avoid both of these habits for at least a few days.
- Don’t spit or use a straw — Forceful spitting or suction puts pressure on your implant, potentially breaking the blood clot and causing a painful dry socket.
- Rinse with salt water — Starting the day after surgery, rinse out your mouth with warm salt water two to three times per day. This will help to reduce inflammation.
Long-Term Dental Implant Care
After the first week, caring for your dental implants becomes much simpler. Follow these easy tips from Dr. Kovacevic if you want your dental implant to last for many years to come.
Oral Care Routine
Even though dental implants are resistant to decay, you still need to take good care of your teeth and gums. If the tissue around your dental implant gets infected, it can develop into a condition called peri-implantitis and eventually lead to your restoration failing.
To avoid this, brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove bacteria. Dr. Kovacevic also recommends using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your smile sparkling.
Choosing the Right Products for Dental Implant Care
Dental implants can be cleaned just like natural teeth. No special tools or techniques are necessary to maintain your dental implants. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing your oral care products:
- Toothbrush — Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching your dental implant fixture or irritating your gums.
- Toothpaste — Avoid brands that contain abrasive ingredients, such as those made for teeth whitening and smokers.
- Floss — Nylon-coated floss is best for working around your implant.
- Mouthwash — To prevent drying out your mouth, choose a brand that doesn’t contain alcohol.