Dental implants are metal stems that replace the root in a broken tooth. They have lifelike teeth attached to the stem to replicate that of a real tooth. The purpose of dental implants is to provide the recipient with a fake tooth that looks and operates much like a real tooth, allowing the recipient’s mouth to function as if there was no missing tooth.
Dental implants, like most other dental procedures, require self-care to ensure the best results are achieved in the long run. The last thing you want to do is harm your dental implant soon after receiving it – this could be a costly mistake.
So, once you have received the best dental implants Melbourne has to offer, here are five important care tips for them:
- Practise proper oral hygiene
Not that you weren’t anyway, but it is extra important to practise proper oral hygiene after dental implants. Why? Because the area around your dental implants are susceptible to the same problems that your regular teeth are and so they require regular brushing and flossing to maintain their health and hygiene.
Note: However, it is best to wait a few days before brushing the implant site, as the implant region may be too sensitive in the procedure’s immediate aftermath. When you do begin to brush the implant site, use a small-headed toothbrush with super soft bristles so as to not disturb the implant site.
- Avoid hot food or drink
The tissue surrounding your dental implant will need some time to heal, and hot food and drink only works to stress out said tissue. So, it’s vital that you avoid hot food and drink for at least a couple of days after your procedure.
Your specialist will be able to tell you how long exactly you should wait to start enjoying hot food and drink again, but before that time you should stick to cold water. Cold water will not harm the implant site and it can also work as a soothing agent for any pain you may be experiencing around the site.
- Don’t irritate the wound
The mouth, alongside the hands, is a place where people love to fidget. Whether rubbing their tongue along their teeth or clenching their jaw, the mouth is a place where people love to relieve their stress and anxiety.
But this doesn’t mean you should irritate your new dental implant. People make the common mistake of rubbing the implant with their tongue to soothe the site – don’t do this, it will only disrupt the healing process.
Instead, stick to the cool water method to provide pain or irritation relief – it works better in the immediate and the future! You should reach out to dentist near me lumberton for more insight on how to help relieve any discomforts.
- Avoid cigarettes & alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol is bad for you in general – you know that. So, it goes without saying that smoking and drinking also disrupts the body’s natural healing ability.
You should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for a little while after dental implants procedure (your specialist will tell you how long exactly).
- Use a warm mouthwash
Your mouth should be kept clean from bacteria to aid the healing process. The best way to keep your mouth clean and germ-free at a time where it needs to be healing is to use a little warm saltwater mouthwash to keep the area clean.
You don’t even have to use any expensive, chemical-based mouthwashes – warm, salty water will do the job for you.
