What you need to know about an implant

Replacement of extracted teeth is a constant challenge for dentists and patients, and in the past, many ways such as implants have been proposed in this replacement. At present, the use of dental implants has become the most standard method of replacing teeth. After the teeth are replaced with implants, your new teeth will be as strong as your natural teeth and you can clean them completely.

Dental implant care

Brush your teeth, especially after breakfast and before bedtime. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and get a new toothbrush every six months. You can continue using your electric toothbrush even after dental implant surgery. Carefully brush all surfaces of the teeth, especially occlusal, distal, and facial surfaces. It is also very important to clean interdental spaces. Use oral hygiene products recommended by your dentist, such as floss and interdental brushes. In general, you should be more careful about your dental implants than your natural teeth.

Causes of dental implant failure

Smoking and alcohol consumption are the main causes of dental implant failure in short or long periods. The dangers of smoking can threaten part of the dental implant procedure. Non-control of microbial plaque around a dental implant can greatly cause implant failure and rejection in the long run. Nothing will remain forever, and the same goes for dental implants. However, if a dental implant is correctly placed on the jawbone of a healthy person and is properly maintained, it is expected to work for several years or even for a lifetime. Similar to natural teeth that need regular examinations and maintenance, you need to care about, maintain, and repair the components of a dental implant, such as the veneer. Another reason for dental implant failure is tooth grinding that imposes great pressure on the implant.

Dental implant placement

A dental implant is placed on the jawbone under local anesthesia and the surgical incision is sutured. The suture itself is removed by the dentist after a few days (7 to 10) or absorbed spontaneously. A healing cap can be applied right after the implant placement only for the recovery period. Contact your dentist if the temporary implant loosens.

Post-dental implant placement care

A dental implant needs special care and maintenance to ensure its beauty and normal functioning. Implant placement is a common procedure with some minor problems. However, you may face postoperative discomfort and complications. Keep your head straight during the day and avoid lying down as much as possible. Place your head higher than the rest of your body when resting and try not to sleep on the operated side of your jaw. You can safely drink cool beverages after the procedure but avoid eating until the numbness is completely gone away. Since stimulants can cause discomfort, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, nicotine, coffee, and black tea for three days, and do not smoke at all. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first three days after surgery. The day after surgery, you can begin rinsing your mouth three times a day (after breakfast and lunch and before bedtime) the prescribed solution. Depending on the type and dose of anesthetics and painkillers you receive, you may be inadequacy conscious to drive in the first few hours after surgery. Consult your dentist about this issue.

Possible complications of dental implant placement

Bleeding: In case of bleeding, put some sterile gauzes on the area between the two jaws and press them for one hour (without changing the gauzes). Keep your head straight in a way that cool air flows around your chin. Contact your dentist if bleeding continues.

Swelling: Hold an ice pack around the surgical site on your face for 20 minutes at a time with 20-minute intervals. During the first two days after surgery, try to place your head straight in line with your spine and lie down less. It is better to be in a sitting position most of the day.

When do you need to contact your dentist?

If swelling or throbbing pain persists for several days after surgery, bleeding repeats , you feel numb on the surgical site for more than 12 hours.
you have any problem or question that are not addressed in your postoperative instructions.