Dental Implant Care

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is their ease of care. You can clean them just like your natural teeth with normal brushing and flossing. However, following a regimen of proper oral care is essential for the success of your dental implants as well as the overall health of your smile. That’s why Dr. Troyan and his team have put together these recommendations for proper care to help you manage your recovery process and ensure that your implants last a lifetime.

Care During Recovery

It’s vitally important to follow all instructions provided by Dr. Troyan in the first few days following your dental implant procedure. During this recovery period, the focus is on reducing inflammation and minimizing trauma to the area so you can properly heal. This healing is essential to the process of osseointegration, which is the foundation of a successful dental implant outcome. During osseointegration your jawbone fuses to the implant fixture, forming a strong foundation for your replacement tooth.

It’s normal to experience some soreness and inflammation in the surgical area after the procedure. To make sure you’re healing properly we recommend following these tips for the first three days after your implant surgery:

• Avoid spitting or using straws so you don’t put excess pressure on the area.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water three times a day to reduce inflammation and clean the surgical area. Don’t spit the water out but instead allow it to flow out of your mouth.
• Avoid hard foods especially in the first three days. Soft or pureed foods and clear liquids are best. Solid foods can be reintroduced gradually after the first few days.
• Refrain from smoking and excessive alcohol use as they can impede healing ability by diminishing blood flow to the area.

Long-term Care of Your Dental Implants

The key to keeping your implants healthy in the long-term is preventing oral infections from developing. We offer these recommendations to make sure your dental implants last a lifetime:

Follow Proper Oral Care

The most important thing you can do to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants is to properly clean your teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day will remove the bacteria, plaque, and debris that can cause problems with your dental implants. Proper dental hygiene will also reduce the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

Select the Correct Hygiene Products

To keep your prosthetic teeth in optimal shape it’s important to use gentle oral hygiene products that won’t cause scratches or irritate the surrounding gum tissues. Select a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure to brush all areas of your mouth for at least two minutes at a time. Use a wax-free, nylon-coated, or specially designed dental implant floss and avoid abrasive toothpaste such as those made for smokers or those containing extra teeth whitening properties.

Finish your oral care routine by rinsing with a mouthwash to remove any remaining debris that may have been left behind after brushing and flossing. Avoid mouthwash that has harsh or abrasive ingredients. We also recommend refraining from using a mouthwash that includes alcohol because it can cause a dry mouth, inhibiting the body’s healing process.

Keep Your Gums Healthy

Although your implants will not decay like natural teeth, your gums may still become infected if bacteria is allowed to flourish. The same oral bacteria that cause cavities can invade the tissues around your implant, a condition called peri-implantitis, and eventually lead to bone loss and implant failure. Fortunately, properly caring for all your teeth will help ensure the health of your implants and entire mouth.

Visit Your Dentist for Regular Checkups

If you have dental implants it’s even more important to visit your dentist for bi-annual checkups. During these visits, your dentist will conduct a professional cleaning to remove any built-up plaque, thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, and look for any potential problems so they can be treated as soon as possible.

Contact Dr. Troyan for Dental Implant Care

If you already have dental implants and it’s time for a checkup or if you’d like to learn more about replacing missing teeth with implants, schedule an appointment with Dr. Troyan today! At his practice in Hoffman Estates, he can help restore your smile whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of your natural teeth.