Your dentist has informed you about dental implant procedures, but what do you need to know about the time after your operation? Here, our Winnipeg dentists explain what to expect from your life after the dental implant procedure.
What are dental implants?
Are you missing one or a few teeth? Your dentist might advise the placement of a dental implant to hold a crown, bridge or other tooth replacement in place.
Crowns and bridges are dental restorations that look and function just like a natural tooth. Having them affixed to a dental implant by our Winnipeg dentists can help to improve your overall and oral health.
What should I eat after surgery?
You will eventually be able to enjoy all of the food you love with a dental implant. However, while recovering from your implant surgery there are a few different foods you should eat and some you should avoid since they can irritate the incision site.
You will likely want to stick to soft and nutritious foods for the first few days following surgery. Here are some foods you should consider stocking up on.
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Mashed potatoes (fibre-rich and soft, add cheese or gravy for flavour)
- Applesauce (high in fibre and vitamin C)
- Warm, broth-based soups (Filled with essential vitamins and protein-rich)
- Yogurt (no nuts or granola, though)
Will my dental implants function like my natural teeth?
Dental implants are a customizable and long-term solution for missing teeth. Your dentist or surgeon will be able to choose a replacement tooth that blends in well with the appearance of your natural teeth.
The implants are fused to the jawbone and you’ll be able to speak, eat and drink without hassle. If you are curious about how people experienced life with dental implants, you may want to look up dental implant reviews online for ideas, tips and encouragement.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are meant to last allifetime and will generally only need occasional readjustments. When compared to other tooth replacement options available to you, dental implants can be a long-lasting solution when they receive proper care.
Depending on your case, implants may be a more cost-effective solution in terms of lifetime cost when compared to bridges or crowns, which may need to be replaced sooner.
Proper Care
Caring for your dental implant is just as simple as maintaining your natural teeth. Make sure thtta you brush and lfoss your teeth - and your implant - twice a day. Great oral healthcare at home is key to the long-term success of your dental implant.
Regular Dental Appointments
Along with a solid oral healthcare routine, it’s also imperative to continue visiting your dentist twice a year. During these visits, your dentist will complete a thorough cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Your dentist will also check the condition of your implent and the health of the teeth surrounding it. This will allow your dentist to address any issues or deterioration in your gums and prevent them before they become more advanced.
How can I maintain excellent health?
Lifestyle choices (such as abstaining from smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol) remain an important factor in your oral and overall health when it comes to life after dental implants.
Certain diseases and conditions like gum disease can lead to an increase in the risk of your dental implant becoming unstable or failing. Because of this, it's important that you follow your dentist or surgeon's instructions for care following the procedure.