Dental implants are an advanced procedure to healthily and permanently replace a missing tooth or teeth. To succeed, they need to be well cared for so they have a chance to fuse with the jawbone. Your dentist will give you dental implant care instructions specific to your situation, but as a general outline, here’s what you’ll need to do to keep them healthy.

Immediately After the Procedure

After the procedure, your dentist will place gauze on the site to control bleeding. Biting down on the gauze can help apply pressure and slow bleeding further. You should be able to remove the gauze after about an hour, which is also when you can begin to eat soft foods. Avoid anything hot, and don’t drink from a straw, as this puts pressure on the surgical site.

You can start brushing your teeth again 24 -72 hours after the dental implant procedure, but avoid harsh or vigorous brushing. For the first few days after the procedure, keep an eye on your bleeding. A small amount is normal, but if you’re bleeding heavily, call your dentist immediately.

Avoid spitting if possible, as this can aggravate the site and make bleeding worse. Depending on the procedure for an upper jaw implant, you may be asked to avoid blowing your nose, as your sinuses may also be irritated. For two weeks, you may be asked to use a mild mouthwash or salt water to rinse. Harsher mouthwash or peroxide rinses may irritate the tissue in the area.

Long-Term Care

Proper teeth cleaning helps prevent infection of the gum and bone tissue surrounding your implant so you won’t lose it. You should brush twice a day as normal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss once a day using unwaxed tape or floss designed specifically for implants.

To clean underneath the dental crown and in hard-to-reach areas, use an interdental brush, water pick or thick floss. Do not use plastic or metal dental tools, as these can scratch and damage the crown of the implant. Scratches create a foothold for bacteria and can easily lead to infections.

If you need dental implants in Waterloo, IL, choose Beard & Holmen. Serving Monroe County for over 25 years, Dr. Darryll Beard and Dr. Charles Holmen are members of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the St. Clair Dental Society. Their range of treatments makes their office a one-stop-shop for their patients. To schedule, call (618) 939-7181 or visit their website.