Dental Implant Aftercare, Practical Tips, and Advice

Dental implants have undoubtedly become the most popular tooth replacement option among dental patients worldwide. This is because dental implants offer several benefits over traditional tooth replacement options like removable dentures and bridges. However, if you are also considering getting your missing teeth replaced with dental implants, you might be wondering about their longevity compared to other options, and how to take care of your implant-supported teeth.

For the convenience of our patients, we have written this blog to provide all the information they need about dental implants and their aftercare. So, continue reading to learn about dental implants and how you can enjoy a healthy and lasting smile with them.

What Are The Procedures For Dental Implant And Its Recovery?

The procedure for getting dental implants is very intricate and requires careful planning and attention to detail. That is why the implant placement procedure is typically performed in multiple steps.

Examination and Treatment Planning –during your first appointment, we will perform a detailed examination of your oral cavity, evaluate the x-ray images, and study models of your teeth. This will help us determine the number of missing teeth and the number of implants, as well as the type of prosthesis needed for their replacement.

Implant Placement – at the next appointment, we will insert the implants into the jawbone. First, we administer local anaesthesia to ensure that you remain pain-free throughout the procedure. Next, we will make an incision over the soft tissues overlying to expose the underlying jawbone, followed by making holes in the bone at pre-determined implant sites. Afterwards, we will carefully screw in the implants in the bone and place healing collars over them to ensure uninterrupted healing of the implant site. At this stage, we only place temporary restorations on the implants, which are only meant to restore the aesthetics but cannot be used for chewing.

Implant Loading – the implant surgical site is left undisturbed for about 4-6 weeks to ensure optimal contact between the bone and the implant. Afterwards, we evaluate the x-ray images of the implant site to assess the healing progress. If everything goes well, we will remove the temporary restoration and replace it with a pre-fabricated, permanent restoration, depending on the number and location of the missing teeth.

That’s it. You are now a proud owner of a beautiful smile!

How Long Can You Wait Between Dental Implant Phases?

The success of dental implant treatment is dependent on their ability to form intimate contact with the surrounding jawbone – a process called osseointegration. That is why, dentists typically ask their patients to wait about 4-6 weeks after implant insertion before they can get permanent restorations. However, in some cases, dentists may choose to place a permanent restoration on an implant immediately after its insertion. This process is known as immediate implant loading. However, this practice is not done routinely.

How Do I Take Care After Full-Mouth Dental Implants?

Full-mouth dental implant prostheses are typically supported by up to 4 or 6 implants placed strategically in the jaws. To enhance the longevity of full-mouth implants, one must look after their oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing. Furthermore, to avoid excessive pressure on the newly-placed implants, one must avoid eating hard and sticky foods and instead, follow a soft diet. Warm saline water rinses for the first 48 hours after the implant surgery is also quite effective in reducing inflammation and discomfort.

How Long Is Recovery Time For Dental Implants?

Once dental implants have been inserted into the jawbone, dentists recommend waiting at least 4-6 months before they are loaded with a permanent prosthesis. This allows the implants to form an intimate contact with the surrounding jawbone, thereby improving their stability and retention within the bone tissue.

What Should I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?

A soft diet is recommended immediately after implant surgery. This prevents excessive pressure on the implant and jawbone, which may affect its long-term stability, osseointegration potential, and the ability to firmly support a prosthesis for tooth replacement. A soft diet such as

boiled vegetables
soup
lentils
fruits
mashed potatoes

are good food options while the implant site is healing.

How Long Does A Dental Implant Last?

Dental implants are made of high-quality titanium. As a result, they are incredibly robust and durable. In fact, with proper care, you can expect your dental implants to last a lifetime, without requiring repairs or replacement, unlike removable dentures or bridges.

How Do You Care For Dental Implants?

Dental implant aftercare is the same as for natural teeth. All you need to do is to ensure optimal oral hygiene through regular flossing and brushing. Furthermore, you should visit your dentist regularly for checkups so that they can check your natural and implant-supported teeth for any underlying problems and ensure they remain healthy and problem-free.

How Often Should A Dental Implant Come Loose?

Well-planned and carefully placed dental implants rarely come loose or fall off. This is because titanium implants have an excellent tendency to firmly embed themselves within the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for any prosthesis they support. So, the loosening of an implant is a rare possibility.

How Often Will I Need To Have My Dental Implants Checked?

You should get your dental implants routinely checked by a dentist. Having your implant-supported teeth checked at every checkup appointment with your dentist is enough to ensure their longevity and optimal function. So, you should never miss your dental appointment, especially with implant-supported teeth.

If you live in Corke, Ireland, and you’re thinking of getting your missing teeth replaced with implants, The Smile Store should be your first choice. Why? Because we offer high-quality dental implant and general dentistry services in a comforting environment and at affordable rates. So, request a consultation appointment with our specialist dentists today and let us give you a smile that you genuinely deserve.