Taking Care of Dental Implants — Regaining Your Smile & Confidence

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that replaces a badly damaged or missing tooth. Dental implants act as permanent teeth replacements for single or multiple teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, which you can remove, dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. 

Taking care of dental implants at every stage of the implantation process is crucial in aiding the long-term success of your dental implant. Luckily, there are easy lifestyle habits you can establish to keep your new implant healthy and strong. 

Dentists at Advanced Dental Care clinic in NSW use brand-leading Biohorizon implants made of a titanium alloy which are 1.5-3.5 times stronger than pure titanium implants, to ensure the strength and efficacy of your dental implant. 

Dental Implant Procedure 

The dental implant procedure typically consists of three steps: placing the implant, attaching the abutment, and adding the dental crown. 

Your dentist surgically inserts the dental implant (which looks similar to a screw) into your jawbone. During the three to six-month recovery time, the screw fuses with the jawbone. This process called osseointegration, gives the implant time to grow strong enough to support the dental crown. 

When osseointegration is complete, your dentist performs a brief surgery to attach the abutment to the dental crown. This minor surgery can be performed in an outpatient setting with local anaesthesia. In some cases, your dentist may add the abutment at the same time as the implant. 

After a short recovery period, your dentist adds a dental crown. The crown, typically made of porcelain or zirconia, is colour-matched to your existing teeth for a natural look. After cementing the dental crown in place, your dentist checks your bite to ensure your smile is just right. 

Depending on the individual, the entire process generally takes four to nine months. Schedule a free dental consultation near you to learn your individual dental implant treatment plan. 

Dental implants are not the right choice for everyone, particularly those under the age of 17, individuals with poor oral health, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions that can impact the healing process like autoimmune disease, blood disorders, and some types of cancer. 

Taking Care of Dental Implants: During the Procedure

Due to the length of the implantation process, it is important to take care of your dental implants every step of the way. Whether you receive your dental implant in one surgery or multiple, you may experience some discomfort that generally accompanies dental surgery, including swelling of the face and gums, discomfort at the implant site, bruising on your gums or skin, or minor bleeding. 

You may require OTC pain medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or antibiotics after dental implant surgery. Contact your dentist immediately if your discomfort worsens in the days after surgery or you experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, or intense pain. 

You may also need to switch to softer foods while the surgical site heals, such as scrambled eggs, mashed avocado, smoothies, and lukewarm blended soups and broth. Call your dentist immediately if you think you may have damaged your dental implant. 

Taking Care of Dental Implants: After the Procedure

You can take several actions to set yourself up for long-term success with dental implants. You can help your dental implant and remaining teeth last longer by implementing some of the following lifestyle habits. 

Practice correct oral hygiene

Keep your dental implants, gum tissue, and original teeth as clean as possible. Brush and floss twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse once per day with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

An interdental brush is an excellent alternative to conventional floss. It is specifically designed to slide between the teeth and can help you reach all the important nooks and crannies. 

Visit your dentist regularly

Schedule checkups so your dentist can monitor your healing process and make appointments for cleanings every six months. 

Kick damaging habits

Chewing hard candy or ice can damage or even break your crowns (not to mention your natural teeth). Avoid tobacco and caffeine when possible, as they are known to stain teeth. Additionally, smoking can contribute to dental implant failure and complications. 

Dental Implant Complications

About 90-95% of dental implants are successful; however, problems can arise if the bone fails to sufficiently fuse to the metal implant. Other rare problems include infection, nerve damage, sinus problems, or injury to the surrounding teeth. 

Find a dentist that offers free consultation and can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants to reduce the risk of implant failure.

Regain Your Smile and Confidence With Advanced Dental Care

If you want to learn more about dental implants or are ready to get a free consultation at your local dental clinic, call Advanced Dental Care at (02) 6188 7103 or book an appointment online now. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile you can be proud of. 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant

Dental Implants Procedure: What You Need To Know
https://narrewarrendentalcare.com.au/dental-implants-procedure/