Getting dental implants is a fairly intensive procedure, but it is one that pays off quite well in the long run. This is due to you getting better dental health and improved oral function. However, it is prudent to view your new restoration as an investment, and that involves taking care of them correctly.
There are a few things to bear in mind immediately following the procedure. Swelling and bleeding are to be expected, but if bleeding lasts for more than a day, you should contact your dentist. If you would like to reduce the swelling, you can place an ice pack over the affected area. Your dentist will likely prescribe you some antibiotics to take to reduce the risk of infection, and you can also take over-the-counter medication to reduce any further pain.
As far as your diet, you should stick with primarily liquids and soft foods. You want to avoid anything overly hot or cold because this can cause extreme discomfort. You can slowly start going back to your normal diet after a couple days.
After about a week, everything should be fine. As far as long-term care is concerned, you can pretty much take care of your dental implants the way you would your regular teeth. You should brush your teeth twice a day while flossing once every day. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash in order to limit your exposure to harmful plaque. Although everything may feel fine, you still need to schedule appointments with your dentist once every six months. During these check-ups, your dental professional can examine your implant area to ensure that everything is working as it should. These visits provide you with much needed peace of mind.
During your initial visit, your dentist will go over in more detail what you should do in the first day following the procedure. Dental implants are a fantastic restoration, and you should highly consider getting them. Contact Cascades Center for Dental Health at (703) 444-5095 for more information. You can also follow them on Twitter for latest news and updates.
