Preparation and Aftercare Tips for Tooth Implants

That gap. That gap. That gap.

All you see when you look in the mirror is that stupid gap. It’s time to see a dentist and kick this thing to the curb so you can feel confident about your smile…but there’s a catch. Without proper preparation and aftercare, getting that gap fixed via a tooth implant can end up backfiring or not working out.

So what can you do?

Well, that’s where we can help. It’s time to delve into our guide of the best preparation and aftercare tips for tooth implants!

But enough talk, right? Let’s get into the thick of it!

Preparation Tips for Tooth Implants

One of the first preparation tips you should follow regarding tooth implants is to schedule an appointment with a dentist you trust to get an x-ray of your mouth. This is because your jawbone shrinks when an adult tooth comes out to compensate for the loss, and implants need to hook onto the jawbone for support.

If that area of your jawbone has broken down too much, the chances of the procedure failing increase. In worst-case scenarios, dental surgeons can try to graft more bone to your jaw, but this is an expensive and more invasive procedure. If you’re having difficulty finding a good dentist, search terms like “dentist memorial” to find a local dentist that fits your needs.

You should also take stock of your health before going ahead with a tooth implant. Medical conditions like HIV or allergies to certain types of metal make tooth implants a risky choice.

If you smoke, you should also quit that before getting a tooth implant. This is due to the chemicals in cigarettes disrupting the healing process within your mouth and damaging your gums.

Aftercare Tips for Tooth Implants

Once the tooth gets implanted, you should expect minor pain and swelling in the area for at least 3 days. You should also stay away from hot foods for a while, as heat dilates your blood vessels (also known as vasodilation), which makes the affected area more likely to bleed. Any drink that requires suction (i.e., drinking through a straw) should get put on the wayside for a few weeks, and you’ll want to stick to soft foods for about 2-3 months.

You’ll also want to go to your dentist for frequent checkups. This way, they can make sure the implant is healing properly and hasn’t gotten infected. You should continue to do so even after the crown is placed on top, completing the implant.

It’s also important to not neglect to brush and floss in the implant area. While it can’t get cavities per se, the gums underneath are vulnerable and need the care to not get diseased.

Tooth Gap No More

And that’s all there is to it! But now that you have this guide to the best preparation and aftercare tips regarding tooth implants, what can you do next? Well, if you want to find out more information on taking care of your teeth and dental procedures, make sure to check out the other posts on our blog!