Dental implants are an effective, long-term solution for permanent tooth loss. Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone in place of a natural tooth root. After the osseointegration process, the titanium implants fuse to the bone to provide a secure foundation for a dental crown or another prosthesis. Although a crown may need replacing every 10 to 15 years, dental implants can last a lifetime.
While dental implant surgery has a high success rate, taking care of dental implants is essential for longevity. Although dental implants can’t get cavities, they don’t prevent gum disease. Failing to take care of your dental implants can lead to serious oral health problems, like bacterial infections.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure takes several months and requires multiple dental visits. During an initial consultation, your dentist assesses your oral health and the condition of your jawbone using X-rays or 3D imaging technology. If they observe gum disease or jawbone degradation, you may require preparatory work, such as a bone graft or periodontal therapy.
Once your gums and jawbone are healthy, the implants are surgically placed by your dentist. You’ll then need to wait from two to six months to allow for osseointegration to take place. Osseointegration is how your titanium implant fuses with your jawbone tissue. This process creates a firm foundation for the restoration.
The abutment is placed when the dental implant successfully fuses to the bone. The abutment is a small metal component that connects the implant to the artificial tooth. This is a minor surgical procedure that takes two weeks to heal. The final step is to secure the dental restoration, either a crown, implant-supported bridge, or denture plate if you’ve received All-on-4 dental implants.
We offer same-day CEREC crowns at No Gaps Dental, ensuring a high-quality, natural-looking restoration. Each of our facilities follows strict hygiene protocols. Our dentists use hand sanitiser and surgical masks in every procedure to minimise the risk of infection.
Dental implants are most vulnerable immediately after they are placed. Food and bacteria can grow in the implant socket and lead to infection. It is crucial to learn how to care for your implants as they heal.
Taking Care of Dental Implants: After the Procedure
Dental implants fail to osseointegrate in rare cases, meaning they don’t fuse to your body’s organic tissue. This typically happens shortly after the implants have been surgically placed.
This means dental implant aftercare is critical to reducing the risk of implant failure. Tips for taking care of dental implants and maintaining healthy gums following a dental implant procedure include:
Avoid rinsing for 24 hours
Do not disturb the surgical site for the first 24 hours following dental implant surgery. Avoid rinsing your mouth or applying pressure to the affected area for at least a day. After 24 hours, rinsing with a warm saline solution can help keep the site clean and free of infection.
Avoid hot drinks
High temperatures can increase blood flow in the body. Drinking hot liquids like coffee or tea shortly after dental implant surgery can accelerate blood circulation in the gums, causing the surgical site to bleed. Depending on how quickly your gums heal, you may have to avoid hot drinks for up to a week after surgery.
Eat soft foods
To prevent irritation to the site, avoid eating nuts, hard candy, and other abrasive foods until your gums have healed following dental implant surgery. Consider eating a soft diet of smoothies, mashed potatoes, soups, broths, avocados, and yoghurt.
Taking Care of Dental Implants: Long Term
To prolong the life of your dental restoration and prevent damage to your implant, you need a comprehensive care and maintenance routine. Some simple ways to protect your dental implants include:
Daily brushing and flossing
Prevent plaque and food debris build-up by brushing and flossing daily. This helps keep your crowns and gum tissue clean. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum irritation.
Consider using an interdental toothbrush instead of dental floss. These brushes contain bristle heads that fit between teeth, more effectively removing food and plaque than dental floss.
Attending regular dental checkups
Dental implants occasionally loosen due to various reasons, including jaw clenching, wear and tear, or an accident. However, in some cases, a loose implant could indicate more severe issues, like gum disease or bone degradation.
Scheduling regular dental check-ups enable your dentist to detect early signs of gum disease and potential damage to implants. Visit your dentist every six months to ensure your implants are secure and there are no signs of gum disease around the dental crown.
Giving up smoking
Smoking can negatively impact the health of the gums supporting your implants. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of gum or tissue disease, promoting longer-lasting implants.
Wearing a mouthguard at night
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common issue among Australians. Bruxism is related to complications with dental implants, sometimes leading to implant fractures, loosening, or prosthesis damage.
If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, schedule an appointment with No Gaps Dental to arrange a fitting for a custom night mouthguard.
Rejuvenate Your Smile With Dental Implants From No Gaps Dental
If you have missing teeth, schedule a consultation with No Gaps Dental to discuss tooth replacement solutions. Our dental practice locations are equipped with state-of-the-art imaging equipment so your dentist can determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Our 15 locations meet the highest hygiene and safety standards. We provide hand sanitiser for staff, patients, and visitors to reduce the risk of infection. Our dentists wear masks during dental procedures and use hand sanitiser between patients.
Reinvigorate your smile and regain confidence with No Gaps Dental implants. Book a consultation or call us on (02) 8806 0227 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Comparison of Long-term Survival of Implants and Endodontically Treated Teeth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872851/
Heat, humidity dangerous to people with high blood pressure
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/press-room/heat-humidity-and-high-blood-pressure
Dental Implants
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants
Teeth grinding
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-grinding