After your implant restoration has been placed, it’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure long term success.
Chewing and Eating
It is safe to eat with your new tooth right away! It is normal to feel the new tooth pushing against the adjacent teeth, this pressure will go away within 3-4 days. You may also feel some pinching and pushing along the gums around your new crown. This is normal, we want the crown to appear as though its “emerging” out of you tissue like a real tooth does for best oral hygiene of the implant and optimal esthetics. The gum tissue will feel back to normal within a few days.
Dental Cleanings and Recare
Implants cannot get cavities but they can get gum disease. Your dentist and hygienist will recommend the appropriate recare schedule for your specific dental needs. Every 3-6 months, you should be seen by a dental professional for proper cleaning and plaque removal around your new implant to avoid gum disease and potential implant failure. You also need the surrounding teeth, gums and bone evaluated and cleaned professionally in order to protect your dental implant. If an infection or issue is detected around your implant early, the likelihood of fixing the problem and fixing the implant improves significantly. We will take digital imaging periodically of your dental implant to ensure its health.
Brushing and Flossing
You may not be able to floss for the first few days due to very tight interproximal contacts This is normal because your teeth have shifted inward toward the space prior to getting your implant crown and as things shift back into place, you will be able to floss normally. Brush and floss around the implants thoroughly but gently. We may also recommend special floss, brushes, mouth rinses or other cleaning aids to keep the area free of bacteria. A waterpik to irrigate the space around the implant crown has been shown to decrease the change of gum infection around implants.
Medication and Discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed. To reduce any
discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water. Use about one teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for your gums to be sore and swollen for a few days.
About Tobacco
Avoid using any tobacco products. Ideally, you should quit altogether
because using tobacco increases the risk that your body will reject the
implants. You can quit smoking for good and live a healthy, smokefree life. Take the first step and call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for FREE support.
When to Call Us
Please feel free to call our office at 860-779-1053
if you have any other questions or concerns.
Thank you for choosing Killingly Dental Care to care for your dental and overall wellness!
