Receiving dental implants can be life changing. Suddenly you’ll have a smile you can be proud to show off, and there is no more need to be self-conscious about the look of your teeth. In order to be certain that the procedure lasts as long as it should, up to twenty years in most cases, it’s important to be fully informed about the implants you are receiving and how to properly care for them for the duration of their lifespan. Improper care can reduce the longevity of your implants, and can have detrimental effects on the rest of your teeth as well. Here are a few things to know about receiving dental implants in Chicago.
Food Issues
Long term, you will be able to consume your favorite foods just as before. However, immediately following the surgery and for the next three months, there are some food issues you should keep in mind. During this time the implantation is still bonding to your jaw, so you need to take care to ensure that nothing disrupts that process. This means that in addition to avoiding any high-contact physical sports where your jaw may be jostled, you will also need to avoid particularly hard or chewy foods, such as apples, steak, hard candy, and nuts. Some clinics will recommend sticking to soft foods, such as pasta, rice, and fish throughout these months to ensure that the bonding process goes smoothly. After the first three months, assuming everything has bonded correctly, you can return to your regular diet.
Proper Aftercare Is Essential
Implants need to be well cared for, otherwise they will deteriorate far sooner than expected. In order to keep them clean, most dentist recommend the use of a water pik and floss to clean around and beneath the implant. It’s also advisable to use mouthwash and to brush with a soft toothbrush using non-abrasive toothpaste on a regular basis. This will ensure that your teeth remain as healthy as your implants. Your dentist may have specific cleaning instructions that need to be followed depending on the type and extent of implants received, and it’s vital that these are followed to the letter after your procedure to ensure optimal success.
