When you are considering which option is the best for replacing your missing tooth, you will want to consider whether you are okay with the number of checkups and the level of aftercare required to ensure that your dental implants become a success. 

Caring For Your Dental Implants

How long your dental implants last will depend on how well you care for them. Dental implants can be cared for using traditional tools such as toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash. However, there are other tools that are better-suited for cleaning dental implants, such as interdental brushes and bridge and implant floss.

Using The Right Tools

Interdental brushes are designed to clean the sides of the implant. The implant floss is simply more efficient at cleaning around an implant. If you do not keep your dental implants very clean, it is more likely that implants will fail. Therefore, you will want to check in with your dentist to find out if you are properly caring for your implants. Ask your dentist to recommend any other tools to help you clean your implants.

Reporting Problems With Your Implants

Stay in touch with your dentist and report any problems you notice with your dental implants early-on. This can include signs of infection, bleeding or pain. There should be some oozing after your surgery, which consists mostly of saliva and very little blood. Use a gauze pack to control the oozing and replace the gauze periodically.

You should not have severe bleeding. If you are, you should reposition the packs. However, if you are still not able to control your bleeding, you will want to contact dentist and you may need to return to the office.

Alleviating Pain

You will be given pain medications to treat pain that results from the surgery. Be sure to only take the medication as instructed. If you find yourself taking larger doses than instructed or if you feel like you need more of the medication after you have run out, you should contact your dentist. There may be an underlying problem that is causing you to experience excessive pain.

Getting Regular Checkups

You will need periodic checkups from a dentist (such as one from Health Centered Dentistry) to have X-rays performed to inspect the amount of bone that is surrounding your implant. The dental restorations that are connected to your implant need to be checked to make sure that they are working correctly. You will also want to receive regular cleanings from your dentist.