Dental implants are a viable option for many patients who have lost adult teeth. Specifically, dental implants allow you to restore the appearance of your smile and function of the original tooth, providing a more-or-less permanent solution. If you're thinking about getting dental implants, the first step is to see your dentist to ensure you're a viable candidate for for the procedure. From there, you should also be aware of important aftercare tips that you'll need to follow to reduce your chances of developing complications or an infection.
After Your Implant Post Appointment
Understand that most dental implant procedures are completed in a series of two appointments. The major portion of the procedure occurs during the first appointment, when the permanent implant post will be drilled and surgically inserted into the jaw bone. After this procedure, your dentist will likely want to wait a few weeks before placing the crown on top of the implant post; the purpose is to ensure that the site where the post was drilled is healing properly.
In the days following this part of the procedure, you can expect to experience some swelling and inflammation around the area. Painkillers, such as aspirin, should help with this. During this time, you may also want to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth or stick with softer foods that do not require much in the way of chewing.
Be on the lookout for signs of infection at this time, including severe swelling and pus around the post site. Call your dentist immediately if you experience this. Otherwise, the best aftercare you can follow until your next appointment is to gently cleanse the area with a tooth brush once tenderness has gone down.
After Your Crown is Placed
After your crown is placed, your smile will look good as new. You'll want to continue monitoring for any signs of infection, as well as floss around the area daily to prevent food and plaque from building up around the dental post itself. Furthermore, if you're a smoker, you can drastically reduce your chance of complications by quitting.
So long as you follow some basic aftercare tips and continue to see your dentist for follow-up appointments, your dental implant can heal properly and last indefinitely, just like a real tooth. From there, you can enjoy improved confidence in your smile and a restored function of your teeth as well. For more information, talk to a company like Gallery Dental.
Share2 August 2017
After dealing with a few root canals, I realized that it was time to take my dental hygiene a more seriously. I talked with my dentist about what I could do differently, and he was full of great suggestions that would help. He walked me through different ways to brush, floss, and take care of tartar buildup, and it was really amazing to see the difference that it made. I also started taking a fluoride supplement to strengthen my enamel. When I made it to my next appointment, my dentist was blown away with the improvement. This blog is all about improving your dental appointments by keeping your teeth healthier.
