Dental Implants
Published On: February 26th, 2018Categories: Dentures2 min readViews: 416

Dental Implants: Tips for Optimal Oral Hygiene

Dental implants are a great way to solve a number of painful and embarrassing dental problems, and get a fully-functional set of teeth in return. Implant dentures are irremovable and look just like natural teeth, making them a popular choice.

The trade off, however, is that getting implant dentures is a lengthy procedure which requires at least six months from start to finish: First, the remaining teeth are removed and the implants are installed. After several months, when the gums have completely healed, the dentures are affixed.

During these several months, it is important to have proper oral hygiene in order to keep your gums healthy and enjoy effective results.

Here are some important tips:

Healing gums

First, you must take care of your gums that are healing from the removal of the teeth and the surgical procedure. It is important to keep the area protected from your tongue and avoid hot foods and beverages for at least 24 hours.

If there is swelling, apply ice packs. While sleeping, use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated.

Brushing and flossing

Once you get your dentures, you will need to brush and floss them just like you did with your natural teeth. However, it is important to avoid brushing the treated area for 24 hours after they are installed. In fact, avoid brushing or flossing any areas that feel sensitive, and allow your gums to heal completely before doing anything that could potentially irritate them.

Mouthwash

You will get a mouthwash from your denturist, which you should use as advised. The mouthwash plays an important role to help prevent your gums from being infected and allow them to heal properly.

Foods to avoid

There are several foods that are not good for the teeth, so it is best to avoid them once you get your dentures. Remember that your dentures have a limited life span, and you must take care of them properly to extend it.

Avoid foods that are sticky, like rice cakes or sticky candy. Although implant dentures are permanent, sticky foods can cause a lot of strain on the dentures. The same goes for foods that require a hard bite, like steak and pork chops, or those that can lodge in your teeth, like nuts and popcorn.

Regular checkups

You may not have visited a dentist regularly when you had natural teeth, but do not make this mistake with implant dentures. You invested a considerable amount of money into getting them and you should do everything to protect your investment.

Visit your denturist for a checkup once every six months, or as recommended by your denturist. Some patients may require more frequent visits due to the conditions of their gums, or when they are first installed to make adjustments and ensure they are fitting properly.