Dos and don’ts after they have been fitted
When you leave the dentist after having oral implants fitted, it can feel like the best sensation in the world.
Far from just offering a cosmetic advantage, oral implants also restore the functionality of your mouth allowing you to bite and chew food as you did with your natural teeth. But in order to keep them healing correctly and not get infected, there are some dos and don’ts to follow.
Here are some of the things you should practise for the first 2 weeks following the fitting of dental implants Spa Dental Sydney CBD.
Wash the site with lukewarm saltwater
You will want the implant site to heal quickly and, while it may seem counterintuitive, you should refrain from brushing the area.
In order to keep it clean, rinse up to 4 times a day with lukewarm salt water; this will remove debris, reduce inflammation and lower the chance of developing an infection.
Use a soft-bristled brush
Of course, you still have to brush the other teeth in your mouth!
It is worth investing in a soft-bristled toothbrush once you have had dental implants from your designated dental professional. This way, if you accidentally graze the site, it will not cause discomfort or damage.
Eat soft foods
Similar to having an oral extraction, try to avoid eating hard foods. Instead, eat nutritious soft foods like mash, boiled fruits and soups until your dentist states it is safe to go back onto solid meals.
Take daily records of healing
As odd as it sounds, it is important to keep an eye on the healing of your dental implants very carefully. Keeping a photographic diary with your phone is a fantastic way to track progress and, if things go wrong, you can show your dentist how the issue occurred. Brilliant!
On the other side of the coin, here are some things to avoid while your oral implants heal.
Do not eat spicy food
Spicy food, as tempting as it is, can cause irritation to the implant site.
In turn, this can increase swelling and delay healing; stick to rice and mild curries if you need to eat these dishes, the time will come when it is fine to eat what you wish.
Apply pressure
Never apply pressure to the implant site! Doing so can cause the implant to come loose in your jaw or to fuse at an unusual angle.
If you have concerns that your oral implants have moved, contact your dental team for a check-up as soon as possible.
Smoke cigarettes
Smoking while implants heal is never a good idea; smoking can cause inflammation and can lead to gums receding.
Therefore, it is wise to quit the habit before implants are fitted. Talk to your dentist for advice on quitting.
Brush the implant site
Similar to applying pressure, avoid brushing the implant site until it has fully healed. Brushing can cause irritation and can push debris into the healing socket, potentially causing an infection.
Avoid brushing at all costs and keep the implant site clean with a regular, salt water rinse.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.