The invention of dental implants has given lots of people a reason to smile again. Once you are used to your new implants they will look, feel, and act just like your natural teeth. However, to ensure your implants last a long time, a short break-in period may be needed. Read on and get some tips on coping with your dental implant adjustment period.
Your Dentist's Instructions
Expect some detailed advice from your dentist to help get you started after your implant session. Though each dentist will have their unique perspective on taking care of your new teeth, take a look at some common advice dentists give patients as they go home with a beautiful, new smile:
Watch What You Eat – Eventually, your dental implant will take on whatever challenges your natural teeth would. However, your implant needs time to bond with the bones in your jaw and become as strong as possible. Also, your mouth and gums might be a bit more sensitive after the procedure so you might want to stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like soups, smoothies, and ice cream. Avoid crunching down on ice, hard candy, nuts, and similar items.
Choose Your Toothpaste Carefully – Whitening toothpaste is prevalent on the market but you might want to avoid those that promise to brighten up your smile just by brushing with it. The problem lies with the addition of abrasives that act like a pot scrubber on your teeth. Your implant should not be subjected to anything that harsh. On the other hand, tartar-control products are great at getting rid of that harmful substance that is likely to harden into plaque.
Brush Gently – On the subject of brushing, do so with care until your gums return to normal again. Before meals, first thing in the morning, and after meals use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove debris from your teeth. You can brush your implant just like your other teeth if you are careful.
Flossing After Implants – Flossing removes debris between your teeth that brushing misses so continue to floss as usual. You might want to try something like interdental brushes. There is always a chance that regular waxed floss will break the surface of your gums and allow an infection to set up. Interdental brushes get in between the teeth without being as harsh as floss and do a better job of it too. Ask your dentist about interdental brushes.
For more ideas on taking care of your implants, speak to your dentist.
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