Dental implants safety is something that should be considered not just before and during dental implant surgery but for many years after. And while it’s true that modern dental implants have been proven to last for several decades or more, that’s only when they are looked after properly.
With this in mind, here are some tips on how best to ensure implant safety and by default – successful implant care – before/after surgery and into the long-term.
Dental Implants Safety Pre-Surgery – Points to Consider
Gum health
Proper dental care of any dental implant starts way before dental implant surgery begins. Good oral health is a necessity. Despite the fact that dental implants are designed to be durable and hardy, they do need healthy gums and bone to thrive. So while an implant itself isn’t susceptible to bacterial infections, the surrounding gums and teeth are. For this reason, gums should be free from gingivitis or periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Therefore pale pink gums with no inflammation or redness are the way forward.
To ensure best gum condition, good oral homecare like regular brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups are key.
Smoking
If you don’t smoke then you have nothing to worry about but for those who do, you should be looking to quit smoking well before dental implants are placed? So why is this?
Firstly there are millions of bacteria found in tobacco smoke (some of which are harmful) that can cause periodontal (gum) disease leading to gingival recession. Smokers, in fact, are thought to be at twice the risk of developing gum disease as non-smokers.
Secondly, it’s known that smoking also slows down the rate of bone growth. As bone growth (osseointegration) is a vital factor in the long-term success of dental implants, the chances of dental implant failure are greater. Studies show that typically dental implant safety (success rates) is around 95% in healthy non-smoking individuals. This drops to around 69% in smokers.
Dental Implant Safety During Healing
First 7-10 days
Immediately after dental implant surgery, particularly the first 7-10 days, is the most crucial period for a dental implant. This is where infection can take hold so regular salt water rinses are key along with a course of antibiotics. In addition, gently brush around the dental implant site with a soft-bristled toothbrush, taking care not to touch the surgical area.
Implant patients should also look to avoid chewy, crunchy, hot, cold or spicy foods in favour of tepid soft foods like soup, mashed potato, mashed avocado, and yoghurts. Also, patients should look to drink clear liquids (preferably water) for the first few days after dental implant surgery has taken place. Primarily, you want to avoid chewing anything near the surgical site to give your new restoration a chance to bed in.
Finally, avoid any strenuous exercise or vigorous bending and stooping.
3-6 months
After 2 -4 weeks, you should be pretty much back to normal in terms of little or no discomfort and hopefully, no signs of infection. In fact, you should now be continuing life as normal. That said, the topic of dental implants safety should still be front and centre in the mind because dental implants can still fail. Did you know that implant-based restorations are particularly vulnerable right up until osseointegration has taken place – typically somewhere between the 3-6 month point?
This is the moment where the titanium post has finally fused with the surrounding bone tissue to create a super-sturdy platform upon which a dental crown bridge or denture can be attached. This is what makes a dental implant a durable restoration.
During this time you should still avoid particularly chewy foods like fudge or caramel sweets, thick or chewy bread such as pizza crust and bagels, and fibrous stringy meats such as steak. It’s easy to forget at this stage that you have a dental implant fitted, so care post dental implant surgery is needed, even after 3-6 months.
Dental implant safety – Long Term Strategy
6 months after dental implant surgery your dental implant should now be fitted with an abutment and a permanent crown. The good news is that you should at this point be able to eat pretty much what you like.
Research suggests that the bite force of a dental implant is as much as 80-90% of your natural teeth. That’s pretty good when you compare it to just 20-30% for a conventional denture.
However, just like your natural teeth, you should be looking to maintain excellent standards of gum and tooth care for the life of your implant. This includes regular and thorough brushing and flossing – preferably with non-abrasive toothpaste – and regular 6-monthly trips to the dentist. You might also want to invest in a water flosser to remove any unwanted bacteria found in plaque.
Finally, pay regular attention to the implant site. If it changes colour or becomes sensitive or causes irritation, then contact your dentist for a second opinion.
Dental implants have been proven to offer years of hassle-free use as they look, feel and act just like normal teeth. So to ensure your implant restorations last a ‘lifetime’, be sure to consider your dental implants and in particular, dental implant safety by practising diligent oral hygiene combined with regular trips to your dentist.
If you would like to find out more about how dental implants can benefit you, contact the team at (02) 8806 0227. With 15 convenient locations in and around the Sydney Metro area, we’re here for you whenever you need us.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.