Dental Implant Aftercare: Tips for Long-Lasting Success
Dental implants at New Albany Dental Care are a long-term investment in your smile, and with proper aftercare, they can last decades or even a lifetime. After the initial procedure, it’s essential to follow our specific care guidelines to promote healing and maintain the health of your implant.
Here are some tips on how to best take care of your dental implants and the lifestyle habits you should avoid to protect your oral investment.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Just like natural teeth, implants need daily care. Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily, ideally with implant-safe floss or an interdental brush, to remove plaque and debris around the implant.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouth Rinse: Rinsing with a non-alcoholic, antimicrobial mouthwash helps control bacteria around the implant site. It reduces the risk of peri-implantitis—a condition similar to gum disease that can compromise implant stability.
- Attend Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule routine dental visits at least twice a year, or as recommended. Your dentist will monitor the implant’s health, ensure the gum and bone remain stable, and professionally clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Avoid Excess Pressure: Avoid chewing harder or tougher foods on the implant side, especially during the healing phase. Ice, nuts, and hard candies can place extra stress on the implant or crown.
Lifestyle Choices to Avoid
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking significantly reduces blood flow and impairs healing, increasing the risk of implant failure. It also promotes gum recession and infection.
- Poor Diet: Excessive sugar and acidic foods can contribute to inflammation and poor oral health. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports healing and long-term gum and bone health.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Ask our team about a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night. Continuous grinding can stress or damage the implant.
- Skipping Oral Care: Dental implants may not get cavities, but they can still fail due to poor hygiene. Never assume they require less care than natural teeth.
By following these aftercare practices and avoiding harmful habits, you can extend the life of your dental implants and enjoy a strong, confident smile for years to come. A little daily care goes a long way in preserving your oral health.
If you have additional questions about caring for your dental implants or if you think you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants, contact our team today!
