The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Mouth After Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are a state-of-the-art tooth-replacement option that comes with a variety of benefits, including a 20+ year lifespan. However, to enjoy your new and improved smile for as long as possible, you must care for them properly. Unsure where to start? Read on for everything you need to know about preserving your dental implants in Edison.

Your Oral Hygiene Routine Following the Dental Implant Procedure

For your dental implants to thrive, they need an infection-free environment. That’s why a solid oral hygiene routine is so important, starting the evening of your procedure. Begin by brushing your teeth as usual, avoiding the implant site entirely for the first few days. Once tenderness permits, begin carefully cleaning this area as well. To keep your mouth free from harmful bacteria that could potentially compromise your dental implant, be sure to rinse with salt and warm water a couple of times per day.

Foods to Avoid

To last a lifetime, dental implants are custom-made from high-quality, extremely durable materials. While that does mean they come with virtually no dietary restrictions, there are a few foods to avoid directly following your procedure. Until you have completely healed and been given the green light from your dentist, you should avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods (i.e., chewy meat, peanut brittle, etc.). Instead, opt for soft items, like yogurt and soup.

Other Short and Long-Term Best Practices

Proper oral hygiene and sticking to soft foods are two crucial best practices that set your dental implants up for the highest likelihood of success. However, there are additional best practices that are equally as important, such as:

• Quitting poor oral habits, like smoking or chewing on ice
• Avoiding hot and cold foods and beverages (which can increase sensitivity during healing)
• Prioritizing rest following the procedure (absolutely no extensive physical activities)
• Visiting your dentist twice a year for a dental checkup and professional cleaning
• Contacting your dentist if any signs of infection or dental implant failure arise

Although caring for your dental implants may initially seem cumbersome, it is important to remember that these best practices benefit your natural teeth and overall oral health as well. Plus, incorporating the above tips will ensure your new and improved smile, bite, and speech lasts as long as possible!

About the Author

Dr. Hiren H. Shah earned his dental doctorate at New York University, and he has been providing world-class care, creating genuine relationships, and expanding his clinical expertise ever since! Today, he has over 1,000 hours of continuing education under his belt in dental implants. So, if you are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, your smile is in good hands with Dr. Shah. To learn more about dental implant aftercare or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or give him a call at 908-834-8448.