Everyone deserves a smile that they can be proud of. However, depending on our age and diet, many people start to lose their teeth. Just as many others have to replace teeth because they become broken due to accidents that occur during their lifetime. A great option for permanent tooth replacement is dental implants, which may require some special care considerations during the healing process. Caring for dental implants is not difficult, as Dr. Lisa Turner, board certified periodontist, shares with her care tips.
Though you may not want to think about artificial teeth, the truth is that it is a better idea to replace your missing teeth. Small items can become stuck in the extra space between your teeth, which leads to an unhealthy mouth. You may even notice that the shape of your face changes. If you have enough teeth missing, your jaw may become weak and break.
The best way to replace your missing teeth is with dental implants. However, that requires surgery and some healing time afterward.
Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry offers some tips about caring for dental implants while they are healing:
- Keep the gauze in your mouth for the first hour or two. Not only does this apply gentle pressure on your implants, but it will also help keep the bleeding in check.
- Don’t be alarmed if you see the following symptoms. You may notice some oozing, bleeding, swelling, and pain in the first few hours or days as your mouth attempts to heal.
- Don’t disturb your implants. Though you may want to make sure that your implants are where they are supposed to be, it is important that you keep your tongue (and fingers) away from the area so that it can heal the way that it is supposed to.
- Brush your teeth gently (with a soft toothbrush). You shouldn’t avoid your dental health by not brushing. Instead, just brush gently.
- Rinse with salt water after the first day. Most periodontists recommend rinsing your mouth out with salt water a few times a day.
- Apply ice for the first few days. Though you may want to use heat, you should apply ice for the first few days. After that, you can switch to heat to help with any bruising that occurs.
- Watch your diet. You are going to want to eat foods that are softer for the first few days (or weeks). You may want to focus on drinking some nutrient-rich drinks. Less acidic foods are best during this time.
- Avoid chewing with your implants right away. You should try to chew on the other side of your mouth for a few days or until you feel ready. That area is going to be really sensitive while it is healing.
- Visit your dentist and periodontist as requested. You should schedule a follow appointment (and keep it) to make sure that your mouth is healing the way that it should be. After you are healed, you need to visit your dentist for routine cleanings every six months (if not sooner).
- Listen to your body. Even though it may not feel like “real surgery,” the truth is that you have gone through anesthesia and surgery on your mouth. You are going to have to take it easy for a few days (if not more). You won’t want to overdo it so be sure to rest when you can.
Though you may be nervous, getting dental implants could be the best thing that you ever did. However, you do have to be prepared to take a few days off of work so that your body can heal and you can focus on caring for dental implants post surgery. You may want to have some softer foods available to eat while your mouth is healing. You can’t forget to brush your teeth. Though you may want to avoid your tender areas for a few days, you need to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. You don’t want to leave bacteria near your surgical sites!
If you’re ready to see what dental implants can do for you, contact Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Venice Florida! Our board certified periodontist, Dr. Lisa Turner, is an expert at placing dental implants and at giving her patients a new lease on their dental health. Schedule your appointment with us today at 941-497-5591 and see how we can help!
