How to Maintain Healthy Implants
After Dr. Barras places your dental implant, the success of your restoration mostly depends on you. The foods you eat, the hygiene products you choose, and other factors play a crucial role in determining how long your implant will last.
Explore our guide to learn some valuable tips on maintaining your implants.
The Week After Implant Surgery
The first few days to a week after your surgery is the most important part of the implant process. During this period, it’s essential that you follow instructions carefully to avoid setting your treatment back.
The following guidelines are especially important to keep in mind:
- Don’t spit or use a straw — Forceful suction or spitting puts pressure on your implant site, potentially creating a dry socket that will cause you pain and delay the healing process. Make sure to avoid using a straw when you’re drinking liquids.
- Don’t eat tough, sticky or chewy foods — Tough foods like steak and bagels, along with sticky or chewy foods like gummies and caramel, can infect your surgical area and lead to implant failure. Stick with soft foods and clear liquids for at least a few days after surgery before resuming your normal diet.
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke — Drinking alcohol and smoking both dry out your mouth and reduce your blood flow, interfering with your body’s natural ability to heal. While you can continue enjoying these habits after your implant heals, you’ll need to resist the temptation for at least a few days.
- Rinse with salt water — Rinse your mouth with salt water two to three times per day to keep your implant site clean and reduce inflammation. It’s especially beneficial to rinse after you finish meals.
Long-Term Implant Care
After you’ve fully recovered from surgery, caring for your dental implants becomes much simpler. By following these easy tips, you can help your new smile last for many years to come.
Oral Care Routine
Dental implants are resistant to decay, but you still have to take care of your surrounding teeth and gums. If the tissue around your implant gets infected, it can lead to a condition called peri-implantitis that will cause your implant to fail.
To avoid this, brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss at least once a day. This will rid your mouth of food crumbs and other bacteria. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is a healthy and effective way to complete your oral care routine.
Choosing the Best Products for Dental Implant Care
Dental implants can be cleaned just like your natural teeth. No special cleaning products are necessary to maintain your implant, though we recommend that you keep the following tips in mind:
- Toothbrush — Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching your implant fixture or irritating your gum tissue.
- Toothpaste — Stay away from brands with abrasive ingredients, such as those made for teeth whitening and smokers.
- Floss — Nylon-coated floss is best for working in and around your implant.
- Mouthwash — Use an antibacterial mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol to avoid drying out your mouth.
Visit Dr. Barras For Check-Ups
The last step of keeping your implants healthy is to visit Dr. Barras for check-ups every six months. These visits allow him to thoroughly examine your mouth and determine any issues that may threaten your implant or your overall health.
Call our practice at 337-210-8192 to schedule your consultation today — or, you can fill out our convenient appointment form and a member of our team will get right back to you.