Many people nowadays who have a missing tooth or set of teeth are looking for a long-term way to fix this issue. Not only aesthetically, but in other areas such as bite strength and grinding of food.
In the past, the solution to missing teeth was the use of a denture or bridge that was affixed to the jaw via a dental adhesive. But in recent years, this has somewhat gone out of fashion with the popularity of oral implants in dental surgeries. There is one core difference between the fitting of oral implants and the use of a denture or bridge, however, and that is the surgery that is based around the fitting of the oral implants themselves.
If you have recently had dental implants Melbourne fitted, then you will need to know some of the basics to looking after the implants once you are at home. This will increase their fusing correctly and promote their longevity. In this article, some of the key things you need to do will be explored, but for more information you should consult with your dentist.
Keep the site clean
One of the most important things you need to do after you have had oral implants fitted is to keep the site clean, although you should not be attempting to do this with a toothbrush, as applying pressure to the sore implant site will likely increase inflammation and overall discomfort. It will also potentially introduce bacteria and debris to the site. Instead, you should keep the site clean by rinsing it as required each day with salt water.
But if you have any natural teeth in your mouth, these will need to be cleaned using their traditional toothbrush and toothpaste and if you have any concerns, you should talk to your dental team.
Keep in touch with your dentist
To ensure that the fusing is progressing as planned and of course to check for signs of gum disease and other issues, you will need to stay in touch with your dentist following the fitting of oral implants. Most of these appointments will be based around looking at the external part of the implant site. However, as time goes on, more X-rays will be required to prove that the implant is fusing to the bone.
Brush and floss
Once the prosthetic teeth have been fitted to the implants, you need to treat them as you would your natural teeth. This means you need to brush them twice a day, floss between them and of course, attend regular check-ups with your dentist. Remember, one of the core issues that can cause implants to fall out is gum disease, which can be prevented using these methods, so aim to stay on top of dental hygiene.
No smoking!
Smoking has been heavily linked to the development of gum disease and so, if you are a smoker, it is well worth cutting down on this habit or giving it up altogether when you have had implants fitted.
It’s also worth noting that excessive alcohol use has also been linked to the development of gum disease so this is also something that should be avoided.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
