Caring for Your Dental Implants

Creating a Complete, Beautiful Smile

Dental implants can drastically improve your oral health as well as your overall confidence. These durable restorations are natural-looking and can last you a lifetime if taken care of properly. Follow Dr. Klym’s specialized dental implant care plan to keep your smile looking full and beautiful.

The Initial Recovery Period

It typically takes about 14 days to fully recover from the dental implant procedure, but the first 48 hours are the most crucial. During this recovery time, osseointegration occurs. This is when your implant fixture integrates with your jawbone, creating a strong stable base for your porcelain crowns.

During the first 48 hours of the healing process, Dr. Klym recommends that you:

Avoid spitting or sucking through a straw
Eat softer foods such as smoothies and mashed potatoes
Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol
Keep physical activity to a minimum

It’s crucial that you habitually follow these instructions because putting pressure on your gums can cause irregular blood flow to the area and hinder the healing process.

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Caring for Your Dental Implants Long-term

After your new restoration has healed, it’s essential that you continue to care for your smile and keep it bacteria-free. This means brushing and flossing regularly, visiting Dr. Klym when necessary, and limiting sugary foods when possible.

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How to Care for Your Implants

Caring for your dental implants might seem like a complex and intimidating process. But there’s no need to worry–you simply care for them the same way you do your natural teeth. Brush them twice a day, floss at least once daily, and rinse with mouthwash. It’s crucial that you follow this care regimen every day to ensure the area around your implants doesn’t become infected.

Choosing the Right Dental Products

Using proper oral hygiene products is just as important as regularly cleaning your implants. Dr. Klym suggests using gentle products that don’t include any harsh, abrasive materials. Toothbrushes with soft bristles are the best option to ensure your porcelain crowns don’t get scratched. Additionally, make sure to use plain toothpaste, nylon-coated floss, and alcohol-free mouthwash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of foods should I eat during my recovery from dental implant treatment?

How will I manage pain during recovery from dental implant treatment?

How can I reduce facial swelling after my dental implant treatment?

What sort of foods should I eat during my recovery from dental implant treatment?

With your new dental implants, you’ll quickly return to enjoying your favorite foods. However, in the days immediately following your surgery, it’s important to stick to dishes that won’t interfere with your healing.

For approximately your first week with your new restoration, we recommend soft foods and liquids to prevent unnecessary pressure on your implants during healing. Soups and soft noodles are a good option, but allow them to cool before eating. Overly hot foods can cause damage to tender gum tissue, especially if numbness from your procedure hasn’t subsided.

Enjoy iced desserts and smoothies — these will be comfortable to eat and provide cooling relief to your gums. Your dentist will talk to you before your procedure and make sure you know what’s safe to eat after your treatment.

How will I manage pain during recovery from dental implant treatment?

You shouldn’t expect to experience severe pain during your recovery period after receiving dental implant treatment. However, some pain is normal in the days following your procedure. In most cases, this will be very manageable with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Depending on the extent of your surgery, your dentist might prescribe a course of painkillers.

If you believe you are experiencing undue discomfort during your recovery period or your feelings of pain increase suddenly, contact your dentist to report your symptoms.

How can I reduce facial swelling after my dental implant treatment?

Swelling and minor bruising of the face is normal after dental implant surgery. The anti-inflammatory medication you take for pain will help reduce swelling. An ice pack, wrapped in a towel and applied gently to the face, can also provide relief from facial pain and swelling. Do not apply ice directly to your skin for extended periods, as this can cause damage, especially if you are still numb from your procedure.

While sleeping, it may help to prop your head up higher than usual to let gravity pull collected blood from the swollen areas of your face. Swelling symptoms will subside over the course of your first few days after treatment. Even if you have implants on both sides of your jaw, it’s common to experience more swelling or discomfort on one side than the other.

Visit Our Office for Routine Checkups from Dr. Klym

Although it’s impossible for your implants to decay, your gums and jawbone are susceptible to damage. Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease that attacks the tissue that supports your implants. When the tissue around your implant becomes infected, bone loss can occur, and this can jeopardize your implants.

Fortunately, following an effective oral care routine will help ensure the health of your gums and your implants.

Contact our Petoskey office at (231) 347-2188. We look forward to speaking with you and providing you with additional information to help maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.