When getting dental implants to fill the empty spaces in your mouth, it’s important to remember that in certain ways, implants are like your natural teeth: you need to take good care of them, or you risk developing a serious oral infection. You don’t want to lose your new smile, so be sure to follow these 5 handy tips for avoiding infected dental implants in Caldwell.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Of course, you should already be practicing excellent oral hygiene on a daily basis to avoid cavities and gum disease. Dental implants give you another reason to be careful, especially right after the surgery; there’s an increased risk that bacteria could enter the gums before they have time to heal.
You can use mouthwash or rinse with salt water to keep the implant site clean. Use a mild mouthwash that won’t dry out the mouth. Of course, brushing and flossing twice a day are still as important as ever. Use a dental floss that’s designed to be used with implants.
2. Follow Your Dentist’s Directions
Sometimes your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection in dental implants in Caldwell. Take these medications exactly as directed; you won’t get the full benefits if you don’t take them enough.
3. Be Careful of What You Eat
While you’re recovering, you’ll need to be careful of what you eat. Nuts and other hard foods risk reopening incisions and removing stitches, making it easier for bacteria to enter through the opening in the gum. Your dentist will recommend a diet of soft foods (soups, applesauce, eggs, certain soft fruits and so on) while your mouth is recovering. You’ll typically follow this diet for at least a week.
4. Give Up Smoking
Patients who use cigarettes and tobacco can often still receive dental implants, but they’ll need to stop smoking before and after the surgery. Not only is there an overall greater risk of infection, but it makes it harder for the surgical site to get the oxygen it needs to heal properly. You can use a variety of resources, such as nicotine patches, to help you stop the habit.
5. Be Aware of the Warning Signs
Even with your best efforts, the risk of infection never goes away completely. If there is a problem, it’s important to see the dentist right away for effective treatment. Be on the lookout for:
- Loose implants
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Redness and swelling in the affected area
- General pain, especially while chewing
- Fever
- Bleeding
Always be vigilant when it comes to taking care of your teeth, new and old. Dental implants can make a big difference, so do everything you can to make sure they’re successful!
About the Practice
At D&G Dental, our dentists combine their diverse expertise and unique strengths to bring their patients a wide range of services under one roof. We can provide high-quality, natural-looking tooth replacements – crowns, bridges and dentures – supported by dental implants. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (973) 226-0260.