Dental implants are one of the most popular and reliable methods for repairing tooth loss. Unlike other restorative options, dental implants replace the crown and the root of a missing tooth. This stimulates the jaw bone to prevent bone atrophy while simultaneously restoring the appearance and function of your smile.
Dr. Julie Glud offers high-quality dental implants to patients in Lombard, IL. Our knowledgeable team at Dental Care of Lombard will review your health and dental history to ensure dental implants are the best possible option for your needs.
While their success rate is over 98%, dental implants still come with risks. Bad implants can cause complications, so it is important to see a dentist you can trust. We can help you minimize the possible obstacles and avoid implant failure.
1 Listen to your dentist
Following a dental implant procedure, your dentist will provide detailed care instructions. These include:
- Avoid physical activity for 48 hours.
- Keep the surgical site clean.
- Do not swish vigorously for a few days.
- Reduce swelling with cold packs or compresses.
It is also important to maintain a good oral healthcare routine by brushing and flossing daily. Remember, while you may feel comfortable within a few days, it will take 3-6 months for your implants to fully heal.
2 Stop smoking
Proper blood flow and gum health are key for dental implants to succeed. Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums, slowing the healing process. It also increases your risk of gum disease and has shown to cause a 20% increase in the risk of implant failure.
3 Alter your diet
Hard foods can cause pain or discomfort after a dental implant procedure, and they can also disrupt your healing by opening up incisions and causing your implants to fail.
Your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on what foods are safe to eat. Typically, this consists of a liquid diet only for the first 24 hours followed by soft foods for at least the first week.
You can support the recovery process by eating foods rich in calcium to strengthen your jaw bone as it heals. Milk, yogurt, and soft cheese are all nourishing snack options.
4 Protect your teeth
Osseointegration is when your dental implant properly fuses to your jaw allowing for both a structural and functional connection between the implant and your bone. Oral trauma can disrupt the healing process and prevent this connection from forming.
Talk to your dentist about ways to prevent bruxism (teeth grinding) to protect your implants and natural teeth from injury. You should also wear a mouth guard when participating in sports and at night if you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep.
5 Prevent infection
As with any surgery, one of the primary risks following a dental implant procedure is infection. Inflamed tissue can prevent the implant from fusing to the bone properly and impact the long-term success of the procedure.
Your dentist may prescribe an antibacterial rinse or antibiotic medication. Taking these as directed is the best way to prevent complications due to infection. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly to treat signs of infection early and generally keep an eye on the health of your implants.
High-Quality Implants in Lombard, IL
Properly cared for implants can last for the rest of your life. At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud will personalize an implant treatment to meet your needs.
Visit our practice to learn more about your candidacy for dental implants.
Call our team at (630) 629-5700 or request an appointment online to start your journey today!
