Dental Implant Aftercare Is Simple and Convenient
If you are considering dental implants, you may be concerned about aftercare and hygiene. After all, you do not want to receive a restoration that involves ongoing and inconvenient maintenance. Fortunately, dental implant aftercare is simple, and implant-supported restorations can be cared for just like your natural teeth. However, you will need to take a few precautions immediately after you have undergone implant surgery at our practice in Queens. Dr. Clifford Degel or Dr. Carmen Every-Degel can guide you in proper post-operative care. With long-term maintenance, implants could last the rest of your life, while the restorations can last for a decade or more. Contact Astoria Dental Group today to learn more about implant aftercare.
Post-Surgical Hygiene
Immediately after your implant surgery, you should take extra precautions to avoid infection and speed your healing. Although your gums will be a bit sore, you should still brush your teeth, including the area around your implant posts. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes to avoid opening up your incisions. Your dentist will supply a special mouthwash to help eliminate oral bacteria. You should also rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day.
Video: Implant Procedures
At Astoria Dental Group, Dr. Degel often uses dental implants to restore patients’ smiles. In this clip, you can learn more about various treatment options that are available with dental implants.
Post-Surgical Care
After your surgery, you will experience some temporary side effects, including swelling and sensitivity. To minimize these effects, you should follow a soft diet for one or two days. Although you can add in more foods as you heal, you may want to avoid very hard or crunchy foods for a few weeks. During the first few days of your healing, you may also notice some sensitivity to heat and cold.
Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can usually alleviate any discomfort. You will also need to avoid strenuous physical activity, and sleep with your head elevated for several days. Biting on wet gauze or teabags can reduce bleeding. With proper post-operative care, inflammation will typically subside within 24 to 48 hours. Drs. Degel and Every-Degel can provide further guidance in the days after your procedure.
Long-Term Care for Dental Implants
Once your gums have fully healed, you will care for your implants just like you care for your natural teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. Special brushes and dental floss can help clean the hard-to-reach sides of your implant restorations. You should also schedule routine dental exams and cleanings. Although implant-supported restorations are not subject to decay or discoloration, the surrounding teeth can, of course, still get cavities. Even if you have a full implant-supported denture, proper hygiene can prevent gum disease. This condition can cause gum and bone recession, which could compromise the stability of your dental implants. With proper aftercare and hygiene, your dental implants could last the rest of your life.
Contact Us for More Information
To learn more about implants and to find out the best way to care for your restorations, contact our office today.
