So, you have had oral implants fitted and are on your pathway to getting a gleaming smile worthy of the red carpet very soon; good for you!
As you know, oral implants are an extremely popular method for restoring teeth and by having them fitted, you will soon be able to eat all of your favourite foods again without issue, while also having natural-looking teeth.
But now that the implants are in your jaw, it is essential to adhere to the strict guidelines and aftercare laid down by your dentist. During the next 3-6 months (depending on the implant type) there are many ways you can help your implants to fuse and settle without any unnecessary problems and during the next few weeks, you will need to take as many steps as you can to help the implant site to heal.
So, how can you boost the chances of your dental implants being a success?
Eat soft foods
It is likely that for the next few days, the implant site is going to be sore and swollen; this is normal.
And one way to help reduce this is to eat softer (but healthier) foods. This will help the gums to settle naturally, but will also help with the fusing process; if you eat hard foods, there is a chance that your implants may move and thus any prosthetic tooth will be crooked.
So, stick to boiled fruits, vegetables and soup for a while until your dentist gives you the green light to eat harder foods again.
Saltwater is a must!
As odd as it may sound, once your oral implant is placed, you will want to avoid brushing the implant site or using any strong mouthwash to clean your teeth.
Maintain your oral hygiene as best as you can by using salt water up to 4 times a day and brush any teeth around the implant as gently as possible. Once again, your dentist will be able to tell you when it is safe to brush the site during daily hygiene.
Medications
Over-the-counter medication is going to help you manage any potential discomfort following the fitting of an implant.
And so, it is best to stick to non-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen; refrain from taking aspirin, as this can cause the blood to thin which may lead to additional bleeding problems.
Signs of infection
Sometimes infections can occur once an oral implant is fitted, so it is best to know what to look out for.
Any unusual swelling should be examined by a dentist, along with discolouration, discomfort, foul tastes and odours or feelings of nausea. If you have any other worries about your oral implants, contact your dental team immediately.
Follow-up appointments
You will need to see your dental team regularly over the next few months to ensure the implants are fusing and that there are no other issues. Keep all appointments made by your dental team, as spotting an issue early is essential for correcting implant fusion issues.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.