Are you ready to permanently replace your missing teeth? You’re making a smart choice for your oral health and quality of life. As the only treatment to recreate both the root and crown, you’re investing in the next best thing to your real tooth. With over a 95% success rate, a dental implant can last for 30 years or more with the right care. Here are 4 things you don’t want to do after dental implant surgery to ensure your new smile lasts for a lifetime.
1. Don’t Smoke
A dental implant is unique because it rebuilds the entire tooth. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jaw to mimic a root. By doing so, the post stimulates new bone growth, allowing your jaw to fuse to the implant through a process called osseointegration. If your bone doesn’t integrate with the post, your dental implant will fail.
Thankfully, the risk of complications is minimal, but smoking can cause preventable problems because it affects your body’s immune system. You can experience delays in healing that can ultimately lead to failed osseointegration. Tobacco can also cause issues many years later, such as an increased risk of peri-implantitis. The infection can cause your new smile to fail without quick intervention.
2. Don’t Rinse Excessively
It’s important to keep your mouth clean while it heals, but don’t rinse vigorously. Excessive rinsing can disturb the implant site, which can cause pain and bleeding. It’s best to gently swish any liquids and let them flow out of your mouth into the sink for at least the first couple of days.
3. Don’t Go to the Gym
Although you’ll feel back to yourself in no time, you’ll have to skip intense physical activity for a few days. Strenuous exercise can increase blood circulation, which can cause bleeding at the surgical sites. Your implant dentist will monitor your recovery to determine when you can safely head back to the gym.
4. Don’t Drink with a Straw
Your mouth may be a little sore, but don’t use a straw to make it easier to drink. Suction in the mouth can dislodge the blood clot forming at the surgical site. If the clot is lost too soon, it can lead to a very painful condition called dry socket. Your implant dentist will also recommend skipping any carbonated beverages because they can irritate the healing gum tissue.
Safeguard Your Investment
With rest and patience, you’ll be one step closer to completing your smile. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and commit to your oral hygiene at home to safeguard your investment. You can feel confident knowing your dental implants will last for decades.
About Dr. Mark R. Guillory
Dr. Guillory earned his dental degree at the Meharry Medical College before serving in the United States Navy Dental Corps. He has regularly continued his training at many prestigious organizations, like the Carl Misch Implant Institute. Dr. Guillory has the qualifications to treat the most complex issues, like tooth loss. If you’re interested in dental implants, contact our office to schedule your consultation.