When you have good oral health and your jawbone has enough volume to receive dental implants in Fargo, you’re already on the right track for success when it comes to long-term implant health. During your consultation, the dentist will discuss each step of the process, what you can expect and how to care for your implant for decades to come.
Since many people aren’t aware of what this entails, an implant dentist is prepared to give five tips that are essential to successful implantation.
Tip #1: Follow Essential Aftercare
After implants are placed, it’s common for some minor bleeding to occur as the area begins to heal. During this time, it is critical that you take the antibiotics and pain medications prescribed to you by the dentist. Avoid rigorous activities like exercise or operating heavy machinery while taking these prescriptions. Avoid rinsing and spitting water early on as this can dislodge the blood clot covering the implant area, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. Apply a cold compress to your cheek in case any swelling appears and avoid using straws which can also dislodge the blood clot.
Tip #2: Manage Follow-Up Appointments
After the first month after placement, the dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure the implant is healing as planned. They’ll schedule another appointment three months and six months after placement as well and may perform X-rays to see how the implant is healing. They’ll also confirm that you’re taking all necessary medications and following proper aftercare steps.
Tip #3: Avoid All Tobacco Products
Tobacco products, whether smoked, chewed or anything in between, interfere with the healing process necessary for dental implants. This is because it interrupts blood flow to the mouth and can even lead to the destruction of bone and tissue. If you want to ensure complete success and prevent implant failure in the future, you’ll need to discontinue use of all tobacco products.
Tip #4: Maintain a Strict Oral Care Routine
Dental implants are unique because the dental crown connected to the implant itself cannot develop cavities. However, the gum tissue that heals around the implants can still be affected by plaque and bacteria. That means you’ll still need to brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily, particularly around the implant.
Tip #5: Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even after the implant has healed and you’ve finished your follow-up appointments, it’s imperative that you keep making regular dental visits a part of your oral care routine. Without these visits, you won’t be able to keep your mouth as clean as you should nor catch early signs of disease should they appear.
As long as you don’t already use tobacco, dental implants don’t require any additional maintenance once they’ve fully healed. Schedule an appointment with a dentist today to ensure your implant aftercare is successful!
About the Author
Dr. Stacy Goodwill earned her DDS degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She’s fully trained to place implants in-house, making your routine follow-up appointments all the more convenient. To learn more about her practice, you can contact her through her website.