Getting dental implants can be both exciting and scary for many people. The scary part of it all is the unknown, not understanding the process. Once they learn what is expected, many are surprised at how straightforward the process is from start to finish. One of the biggest questions that many people have is aftercare and treatment of their new implants.
After having your dental implants placed, it’s your responsibility to ensure you still practice good oral care of your new smile. If you take care of your implants just as you would natural teeth after they are placed, you can expect them to last for many years. You will be given specific instructions on specifically caring for your dental implants after your procedure, but here are some frequently asked questions that may help you figure out what to expect.
You can expect some minor bleeding after you have a dental implant procedure. This is completely normal. Your dentist may give you a gauze pad to help soak up any residual bleeding. They will tell you to bite down firmly on the gauze pad for at least 30 minutes to an hour. You may notice some small bleeding after this. You should just use another gauze pad if needed.
After the dental implants are placed, you will want to avoid rinsing out your mouth, do not attempt to mess with the surgical site by using your tongue or fingers. This can cause additional and unnecessary bleeding. Avoid smoking, using straws, and spitting. These actions can dislodge any blood clots and slow the healing process down.
You will experience some mild discomfort after you have your implants placed. Once the anesthetic wears off, you can take either a prescribed medication from your dentist as instructed or an over-the-counter pain reliever. Most patients will find relief in an OTC pain reliever. Any pain you feel following your procedure should gradually subside in a few days.
Proper oral hygiene is vital to having a successful healing process after your implant procedure. You may be prescribed a chlorhexidine mouthwash by your dentist to rinse your mouth thoroughly. The day after your procedure, you will want to use warm salt water to rinse your mouth. This is typically recommended at least 4 to 5 times a day to help rid your new smile and mouth of any harmful bacteria which could interrupt healing. It’s important to discuss with your dentist their expectations when it comes to brushing your new teeth. Some discourage you from doing it too soon, while others may recommend it. It’s all dependent on your dentist's instructions.
Your new smile is an investment and should be treated as such. It’s important to follow along with your dentists’ instructions on how to provide aftercare following a dental implant placement procedure properly. If you properly care for your new teeth, you can expect them to last for many years.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Bowie, MD.
People who have been recommended to get dental implants may be wondering how to take care of them after surgery. Implants are artificial teeth held in place by metal posts positioned in the gums. They are constructed to look and function like natural teeth; thus, managing them is similar to caring for regular teeth. Once…
When you’re considering having dental implants surgery, you may be curious about the steps following the initial surgery of the implants into your mouth. The next stage is crown placement on dental implants. The crown will sit on top of the implant and work together to help your new teeth work and feel just like…
Learning more about how dental implants work will help you when it comes to choosing a tooth replacement option. The entire implant placement process can take many months to complete, which means you need to make sure this is the right replacement option for you. One of the many reasons people who are missing teeth…
Many general dentists recommend Dental Implants for teeth replacement. This is due to the various benefits of implants that other teeth replacement solutions such as dentures and fixed bridges cannot provide. The following is a review of the reasons general dentists recommend dental implants. When deciding the best way to replace missing teeth, you should consider…
Have you considered turning to cosmetic dentistry services to restore your smile? If you do not like the way your teeth look, there are solutions. Your cosmetic dentist has multiple options to help you feel good about the way you look once more. You no longer have to hide your face or avoid being around…
A dental bridge can help restore your dental health and appearance. Tooth loss can cause more dental problems. Replacing the missing teeth can restore your smile and improve your dental health. Getting this dental restoration might be the tooth loss solution you need. Here are the three basic dental bridge benefits you must consider.Losing at…