How to look after your dental Implants

The success of an implant hinges upon numerous factors, from a good surgical procedure to a suitable prosthesis and proper dental implant aftercare. If taken good care of, implants can last for many years or even a lifetime.

While the implant post is made of titanium and is highly durable, it relies heavily on the surrounding bone and gum tissue for stability and long-term success.

Continue reading to learn how, with the right habits and lifestyle choices, you can maintain the health and hygiene of your dental implants.

Immediate Dental Implant Aftercare

To allow proper healing to begin after dental implant surgery, you need to create an oral environment that encourages clot formation and prevents infection in the surgical site. Listed below are some helpful tips you can follow:

Control Bleeding

After dental implant surgery, you may experience slight bleeding from the implant site. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. To stop the bleeding, try to bite down gently on gauze provided by your dentist.

Do not rinse your mouth for at least 48 hours after getting dental implants. Doing so can dislodge the newly formed blot clot, causing bleeding and slowing down the healing process.

Manage Swelling

Swelling around the implant area is common. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to your cheeks in 15-minute intervals, during the first 24-48 hours. This helps reduce inflammation and eases discomfort in the affected area.

You can also use pillows to elevate your head while sleeping to reduce swelling, and thus, ensure a smooth healing process.

Pain Management

Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen after a dental implant procedure. You may take them as directed to control any post-surgical discomfort or pain that arises once the effects of the anesthesia start to wear off. Avoid aspirin, as it is a blood-thinning medicine and can increase the risk of excessive bleeding for some patients.

Dietary Restrictions

For the first 24 hours, strictly avoid any hot, spicy, crunchy or hard foods that could irritate the implant site. Stick to soft foods, such as smoothies, yoghurt, apple sauce, or mashed potatoes. You may consume hot beverages like tea or coffee only if they are allowed to cool down first.

Do not suck on anything such as straws or e-cigarettes, as sucking may dislodge the blood clot and disrupt the healing process.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking tobacco or e-cigarettes and consuming alcohol can increase the chances or possibility of implant failure by encouraging bone loss around the implant and increasing the risk of a condition known as peri-implantitis (inflammation surrounding the implant). A 2022 study reveals that the risk of implant failure in smokers is 140.2% higher than in those who don't smoke.

Although it is best to quit smoking and drinking altogether, studies show that you should avoid tobacco and alcohol for at least two months after getting a dental implant, which gives enough time for the early stages of osseointegration to complete.

Keep the Implant Site Clean

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to maintain good oral hygiene following implant placement. Plaque and debris can lodge inside the surgical sites and cause pain, slow down wound healing, and increase the chances of developing an infection.

• For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing near the surgical site. After that, gently brush your natural teeth, but avoid the implant area to prevent damage and allow it to heal properly.
• 24 hours after the dental implant procedure, rinse your mouth with the mouthwash recommended by your dentist at least three or four times a day. Alternatively, after meals, you can rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to reduce bacterial load in your mouth and promote healing. Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol.

Avoid Physical Activity

Give your body a chance to rest after the dental implant surgery. Avoid strenuous activities or exercise for at least 48 hours after the procedure, as it can put undue stress on your body and increase blood flow to the treatment site.

When you work out, your heart starts to pump blood faster, increasing the risk of postoperative bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Most surgical procedures for dental implants require only two to three days of rest before you can resume your normal exercise routine.

Long-term Dental Implant Aftercare

If you want your dental implants to last long, you will have to be consistent with your efforts to keep them in good standing. Here are a few tips to help you:

Prioritise Oral Hygiene

Like your natural teeth, a dental implant requires regular and thorough cleaning to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup around the surrounding gum tissue. We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using a soft toothbrush will ensure effective cleaning of your implants without damaging the gum tissue or the crown. After about one or two weeks after the dental implant surgery, when the area has healed completely, you can also use an electric or sonic toothbrush for routine cleaning.

When choosing the right toothpaste for cleaning around dental implants, a non-abrasive formula will avoid scratching the implant surface. Abrasive toothpaste can cause small grooves in the crown, leading to bacterial growth over time. Research shows that the abrasives present in certain toothpaste can reduce the corrosion resistance of the titanium implant posts and increase the chances of developing inflammation around the implant (peri-implantitis).

For optimum oral health, it is also very important to remove food particles from between the teeth as well. Flossing daily can help remove plaque and food debris that can get trapped between your implant and gums. Using special floss designed to clean dental implants or water flossers can make this task easier and more effective for you.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Professional dental cleanings go a long way in preventing gum disease and maintaining optimal oral health. Visit your dentist regularly—at least twice a year—for professional cleaning. Dentists use specialised tools to clean hard to reach areas with a regular toothbrush, preventing plaque buildup around the implant.

These visits also allow your dentist to monitor the health of your dental implants. During a follow-up visit, your dentist checks the health of your gums, the stability of the implant, and the integrity of the crown. They can catch early signs of complications such as peri-implantitis, and address the issue promptly to save the implant in time.

A Healthy Diet

The food you consume plays a significant role in your dental health and the longevity of your implants. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can strengthen both your implants and natural teeth. Foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds, support healthy bones around the implant post. Vitamin C, found in fruits like oranges and strawberries, promotes gum health by supporting collagen production.

On the other hand, limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks helps maintain the health of your natural teeth, gums, and dental implants. Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria present in your mouth, leading to a myriad of problems, such as periodontitis (gum disease) and increasing the risk of infection around the implant (peri-implantitis).

If you do like to indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy sweets or fizzy drinks, remember to brush your teeth afterward or rinse your mouth with water. This will help neutralise the sugars and acids and prevent them from causing damage, keeping your dental implants clean and complications at bay.

Hydration

Keeping your mouth hydrated is an often overlooked aspect of oral health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day promotes saliva production, which is essential for neutralising acids and keeping bacteria levels in check. Saliva also helps wash away food particles that could get trapped around your implant.

If you suffer from dry mouth, which can be caused by certain medications or conditions, consider using a saliva substitute or chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for dental implant failure. It impairs healing, increases the risk of infection, and negatively affects gum health. Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing the oxygen supply to the gums and bone, which is essential for healing after implant surgery. Even long after the implant has healed, smoking can still impact the gum tissue surrounding the implant, leading to implant instability.

Quitting smoking not only benefits your overall health but significantly increases the chances of your dental implants staying healthy and stable in the long run.

Avoid Teeth Grinding

Damaging habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching exert excessive pressure on your dental implants, which can cause them to wear down prematurely or even fail. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about it. They will address this issue and help you break the habit.

Use Implant-Safe Products

Not all dental products are suitable for implants. Choose non-abrasive toothpaste and avoid harsh mouthwashes containing alcohol, as they can dry out your mouth and irritate the gum tissue around the implant. Opt for alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to help control bacteria without causing dryness.

Additionally, avoid using metal-tipped tools or picks to clean dental implants, as these can scratch the surface of the crown or abutment. Instead, use specialised plastic or rubber-tipped tools designed for implants.

Maintain General Health

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disorders, can affect the health of your dental implants. For example, uncontrolled diabetes can slow down healing and increase the risk of infection. If you have any medical conditions that may impact your oral health, our team will work in collaboration to manage these conditions effectively.

Recognise the Signs of Trouble Early

While implants are designed to be a long-term solution, issues can arise if not cared for properly. Be on the lookout for early warning signs of problems, such as bleeding gums, swelling, pain when chewing, or a loose implant. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately. Early intervention can often prevent more serious complications.

The Takeaway

Dental implants are a worthwhile investment in your smile and overall health, and with proper care, they can be made to last for decades. Following a consistent oral hygiene routine, making healthy lifestyle choices, and scheduling regular dental visits can keep your dental implants in top-notch condition.

At Zental, our mission is to help you achieve the stunning smile you deserve and the confidence that comes with it. Book a consultation and drop in for a chat to speak with some of the experts in the field about dental implant aftercare. Let us be a part of your health journey, and allow us to improve not only your oral health but also your quality of life.