The Whole Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth

Are you getting dental implants in the next few days? You may be excited about getting replacements for your real teeth that have fallen out. Because you are getting these oral implants, you should know how to properly take care of them immediately after the procedure.

1. Eat Softer Foods to Avoid Irritation

After your dental implants are put in place, you will need to get used to having them there. You may experience a bit of discomfort for a few days, so try to avoid eating hard, crunchy foods that could contribute to the irritation. Stick with softer foods, such as pudding, gelatin, mashed potatoes, and soups. You might also enjoy drinking milkshakes for the cold, soothing relief they can provide to your mouth after getting the dental implants.

2. Use Different Methods to Relieve Any Discomfort

It is common for patients to experience some discomfort after the procedure, but it does not last too long. When you need relief, try using a few different pain-relieving techniques, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, a heating pad, and a cool compress. You can use a combination of these techniques to get the most relief.

3. Rinse With Saltwater Daily

You should start rinsing your mouth out with saltwater at least once a day to help with the healing process. The saltwater works to eliminate bacteria that could get on your dental implants. You want to keep those dental implants as healthy and clean as possible, especially when you are going through the healing process. You can make the saltwater at home with fresh warm water and a pinch or two of iodized salt. It is a good idea to rinse before bed, but you can also rinse in the morning before brushing your teeth with toothpaste.

4. Take Time to Brush Often

While dental implants are not your real teeth, you still need to care for them like they are. Take your time when brushing to ensure that you are getting rid of any buildup. Make sure to brush at least twice per day, but it is even better if you brush after each meal to keep pieces of food from sticking to your dental implants.

Follow these aftercare tips to keep your dental implants healthy and clean while relieving any discomfort you might experience right after the procedure. By utilizing these tips, you can maximize your comfort, avoid excessive irritation, and get into a habit of taking the best care of your teeth each day.