How To Care For New Dental Implants

1. Follow Dr. English’s Instructions During The Initial Healing Process

First, you’ll need to make sure you follow the instructions provided by Dr. Ray English after your implant surgery at RI Oral Surgery & Implant Center. Initial healing takes about two weeks, though you can usually get back to your normal routine after just a day or two. 

During this initial healing process, you’ll need to do a few things to keep your implant healthy, such as:

• Avoiding rinsing the implant site for at least 24 hours
• Rinsing the implant site with salt water or a prescription rinse after 24 hours
• Brushing the implant site after 3-4 days
• Avoiding heavy physical activity for 2-3 days
• Eating a diet of soft foods until your implant heals

You’ll get a full list of instructions from Dr. English. Follow these instructions closely to make sure you minimize your risk of complications as you heal from your implant.

2. Quit Smoking As You Heal (And Consider Quitting For Good!)

If you smoke, you will need to quit before your dental implant surgery, and for about two months after your implants have been placed. Smoking and tobacco use are associated with much higher risks of implant failure. This is a great time to consider quitting completely! 

3. Brush Your Teeth And Implants Twice Per Day

Once your mouth has healed from the initial surgical procedure, you’ll want to get back to your normal oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth and your implants at least twice a day using ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

While dental implants are not susceptible to cavities, you still need to keep them clean to avoid complications like gum infections near the implant (peri-implantitis). And, for obvious reasons, you’ll want to keep your other natural teeth healthy and free from tooth decay.

4. Floss Once Per Day To Keep Your Teeth And Implants Healthy

Along with brushing, make sure you floss once per day. Floss both your natural teeth and your dental implants. Flossing helps remove particles and bacteria that simply can’t be reached with brushing alone. 

For an extra dose of cleaning power, consider rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after flossing. This helps remove particles that have been dislodged from your implants, gums, and teeth during the flossing process, improving its overall effectiveness.

5. Don't Forget About Six-Month Visits For Implant Maintenance

After you get implants, you’ll still need to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup. Your dentist can check on your oral health, clean your teeth, and make sure that your dental implants are healthy and in great shape. So don’t neglect preventive care. Along with a good diet and at-home oral hygiene, this is the best way to make sure that your dental implants last a lifetime.

Contact RI Oral Surgery & Implant Center For Dental Implants In Rhode Island

As an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Ray English has the knowledge, technology, and expertise that you need for a successful dental implant procedure. If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants in Rhode Island, we’re here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (401) 732-1188 to schedule an implant consultation with Dr. English, and see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.