6 Tips for Proper Dental Implant Care

Dental implants require similar care to natural teeth, including good oral hygiene practices and regular checkups. In addition, it’s important to follow pre and postoperative instructions, refrain from smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid sticky candies and hard foods (at least in the short term).

As you may know, dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Following your dentist’s care instructions will help the implants integrate successfully with the jawbone, promote healing, and help your implants last for as long as possible.

1. Follow Preoperative and Postoperative Instructions

Careful adherence to preoperative and postoperative instructions is essential for the best possible outcome with dental implants. With this in mind, you can prevent infection and get the full benefits of your dental implants by taking precautions before dental implant surgery:

• Quit smoking at least a few weeks before implant placement.

• Avoid drinking alcohol for 72 hours before and after a dental implant procedure.

• Follow your dentist’s advice regarding medications and supplements to avoid before surgery.

While dental implants don’t hurt after the site has healed, some pain and swelling are expected after the initial dental implant surgery. In this case, your dentist may recommend painkillers and anti-inflammatories to help the body rest and heal more quickly. Sometimes, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or cure an infection, which, if left untreated, can cause dental implant failure. 

There are also some at-home aftercare instructions that you should follow to promote comfort and healing:

• Apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.

• Avoid hot liquids and hard foods.

• Avoid touching the wound site with your fingers or foreign objects as this could introduce bacteria.

• Rinse with warm salt water starting 48 hours after surgery.

• Avoid brushing the surgical site for at least one week post-surgery. Then, brush gently using a manual soft-bristled toothbrush with low-abrasive toothpaste.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol.

Most importantly, if at any point you have concerns or questions about dental implant aftercare, you should contact your implant specialist for guidance. Dentists like Dr. Salin in Bakersfield offer detailed advice and support to their patients before and after placing dental implants to ensure that the procedure is a success.

2. Brush, Floss, and Repeat

After the initial postoperative healing process has taken place, you can ensure the longevity of your dental implants by incorporating everyday good hygiene practices into your routine. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day with dental floss to remove plaque buildup and pieces of food.

• Brush with a high-quality nylon soft-bristle toothbrush to keep your implants strong and healthy. 

• Floss daily to remove food particles from between your teeth.

In addition to maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, avoid hard candies, seeds, and sticky foods to prevent problems with your dental implants.

3. Eat Mushy Foods After Implant Surgery

Osseointegration (the process whereby the dental implant fuses with the jawbone) takes about three to six months to occur after implant surgery and you should take certain precautions while this process takes place. If you have recently had one or a few dental implants placed, eating soft foods can help to prevent irritation or injury to the surgical site. 

Foods to Enjoy After a Dental Implant Procedure:

• Yogurt

• Ice cream

• Soft cheeses

• Mashed potatoes

• Creamy soups

• Smoothies

• Pastas

• Soft fruits: bananas, pears, berries, soft peaches, and applesauce

Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery 

• Sticky foods: hard candies, caramels, and gum

• Popcorn and potato chips

• Nuts and seeds

• Acidic foods: pickles, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings

4. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking with Dental Implants

If you have recently undergone dental implant surgery, it’s best to avoid substances like alcohol and smoking. That’s because both of these substances can slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Moreover, alcohol and smoking are bad for oral health in general because they increase the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. 

If you do want to have an alcoholic drink occasionally, have your last drink at least 72 hours before surgery (especially if having your implant placed with sedation dentistry) and wait at least 72 hours after the surgery to have another drink.

5. Be Aware of Common Signs of Implant Failure

Dental implant surgery is regarded as an extremely safe and effective procedure. In fact, studies estimate that only 5 to 10% of dental implants fail. Complications can occur due to peri-implantitis that results from a buildup of bacteria and plaque. Peri-implantitis may cause marginal bone and tooth loss. Underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and certain autoimmune diseases can also slow down the healing process and cause implant failure.

Being aware of common implant failure symptoms can help you ensure that you receive early intervention before the problem gets worse. Some implant failure symptoms may include:

• Severe pain and swelling in the surrounding gum tissue and around the implant

• Bleeding and/or looseness around the dental implant post

• Allergic reactions 

• Difficulty when chewing 

If any of these symptoms occur in the weeks following dental implant surgery (or even years after placement), make sure that you notify your dentist right away. Early detection and intervention can help to prevent more serious issues from developing, as well as reduce the need for extra procedures. 

6. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups for Optimal Oral Health

To help prevent possible complications that may arise after dental implant procedures, it’s important that you schedule regular checkups with your implant dentist. Routine dental checkups are important for several reasons:

• In each dental checkup, your dentist will check that your implants are integrating (or are still integrated) properly with the jawbone. 

• Routine dental cleanings help to prevent bacteria buildup, gum disease, and peri-implantitis.

• Routine checkups will allow the dentist to spot any potential issues and treat them before they become severe. 

Take Care and Smile

Dental implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth and can help restore the confidence of those with dental issues. And while complications can occur, overall, dental implant surgery has a great success rate and is a viable option for dental patients who are looking for long-lasting teeth replacement.

As long as you follow your dentist's aftercare instructions and care for your dental implants in the long term, your implant post(s) can last a lifetime and the crown(s) can last a good 15 years. Now that’s something to smile about!