Categories: Dental Implants

Does Oral Hygiene Change After Getting Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but they do require a longer treatment process and recovery period. You will have to make certain oral hygiene changes after getting dental implants. This is done to reduce the risk of oral infection, implant failure, and other serious concerns.

Tips for successful oral hygiene with dental implants

There are certain oral hygiene changes that patients must make after getting dental implants. In addition, the healing period after implant placement requires careful oral hygiene. The following is a review of oral care, dietary, and physical activity changes that may be required after getting dental implants.

Practicing oral hygiene carefully

When discussing oral hygiene, most think about their brushing routine and how often they floss and use mouthwash. This is an important aspect of oral hygiene, but oral hygiene involves protecting teeth from trauma and dietary choices, as well. As it relates specifically to brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, patients should keep a consistent routine and exercise caution while caring for their teeth. This should include brushing the mouth gently to avoid irritation (especially during recovery from the implant placement), flossing each day, and using mouthwash as directed by the dentist.

Reducing the risk of a dental injury

Another important aspect of oral hygiene is preventing a dental injury, which is typically caused by a blow to the mouth. Anytime patients with dental implants participate in physical activities in which a blow to the face is possible, such as contact sports and weightlifting, wearing a mouthguard is important. This helps prevent damage to the replacement teeth or the implant if an accident were to occur. In addition, those who grind their teeth at night may need to wear a mouthguard while sleeping to prevent bruxism. Taking these precautions can reduce the risk of needing early dental implant restoration or replacement.

Dietary changes after dental implants

The food and drinks that patients consume play a role in how long dental implants last and how good the patient’s overall oral hygiene is. It is important to reduce the intake of sugar and other carbohydrates as they can combine with bacteria in the mouth and create an acidic reaction that damages the structures of teeth (gums and bone) that support the implant. Excessive sugar consumption can also increase the risk of cavities to other teeth and an oral infection while recovering from implant placement.

Regular visits with the implant dentist

Visiting the dentist for all scheduled checkups is essential for everyone, especially after getting dental implants. Routine checkups can help ensure good oral hygiene in the long term by detecting the early signs of oral health complications before they develop further.

Talk to our dental team today about getting dental implants

If you are considering dental implants or oral care with dental implants, then contact us today. Everyone deserves to have an option to replace their missing teeth, and we offer dental implants (and other services) for our patients.

Request an appointment here: https://www.nolanriverdentalcenter.com or call Nolan River Dental Center at (817) 517-6453 for an appointment in our Cleburne office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.


Related Posts

December 10, 2024

A General Dentist Discusses Oral Cancer Symptoms

Oral cancer is a condition that affects the mouth, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, and tongue. The condition can cause different symptoms, which vary based on the lesion's location and how …

December 10, 2024

Your Guide to Recovery after a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A wisdom tooth extraction is performed on the back molars, which are the last permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth. Many people do not have enough space on their jaws to …

November 11, 2024

When Might Oral Surgery Be Needed?

Many patients become incredibly concerned when told they need oral surgery, but unfortunately, it is often required. By gaining a better understanding of oral surgery and why it may be a necessity, …

November 1, 2024

7 Things to Know About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a common option for various levels of dental treatment in today's age.  It can help with something as simple as teeth cleaning to something more serious, like a tooth …

Amy Case

Share
Published by
Amy Case

Recent Posts

Your Guide to Recovery after a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A wisdom tooth extraction is performed on the back molars, which are the last permanent…

2 weeks ago

A General Dentist Discusses Oral Cancer Symptoms

Oral cancer is a condition that affects the mouth, gums, inner lining of the cheeks,…

2 weeks ago

When Might Oral Surgery Be Needed?

Oral surgery for most patients turns out not to be as scary as it sounds…

1 month ago

7 Things to Know About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is the act of using medication to ease the patient's anxiety and mind…

2 months ago

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations.

2 months ago

How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health and Function

A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire…

3 months ago