When you have had oral implants fitted, it is crucial to their longevity that you look after them in the weeks ahead. Physically, it may seem slightly odd to see a metal post protruding from your gum, but unless it is cared for correctly, problems may quickly arise.
So, what are some of the top tips for looking after newly fitted dental implants Melbourne? Read on to find out!
Keep the site clean
An implant fitting can be lengthy and very invasive for many patients. and as such, once you are out of the dental surgery and have a newly fitted implant, you will need to keep the site clean to prevent an emergency visit back in a few days’ time. When most people picture keeping their teeth clean, they envision brushing them or cleaning them with mouthwash. But with a newly fitted implant, this is not wise or advisable; using a brush to clean the implant can exacerbate any swelling and using mouthwash can lead to extensive discomfort. In order to keep your oral implant site clean, simply wash it as required using lukewarm salt water until your dental team specifies that you can begin using a toothbrush again.
Manage discomfort
You may be surprised at how seemingly comfortable you feel after the implant is placed and the local anaesthetic has worn off. But it is advisable that, in preparation for your oral implant fitting, you invest in some over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol. Do not stock up on ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can thin the blood and can exacerbate bruising.
Foods
When your implant is in place, you will need to keep yourself healthy to ensure that the site heals and that your body recovers. So, it is wise to invest in healthy foods like vegetables to give your body all the nutrition required to heal. Also, you will need to eat softer foods, as consuming hard foods just after an implant has been fitted can cause it to come loose and move around, so you may need to eat soup and boiled foods for a while!
Lifestyle
Your dentist will have informed you (as everyone else will have too!) about the dangers of smoking cigarettes or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Both of these activities can heighten the chance of you developing gum disease which in turn can cause your implants to prematurely fall out or fail to fuse.
Check-ups
In the weeks following the fitting of your oral implants, you will need to see your dental team regularly. This is so they can ensure that your implants are fusing correctly, to assess the site for signs of gum disease or infection and to just generally check-up on how you are. It is vital for the longevity of your implants that you attend these appointments and report any unusual symptoms as soon as possible. If you feel ill for instance or have been having headaches since your oral implants were fitted, then you must report this to your dental team.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
