You've had your consultation and understand the dental implant procedure – but what about after the operation? Today, our Collingwood dentists share what you can expect from life after implants.
What are dental implants?
Are you missing one or more teeth? Your dentist may recommend a dental implant combined with a tooth replacement such as a bridge or crown to replace your missing teeth and prevent oral health issues from occurring.
Dental bridges or crowns are restorations that look and function much like natural teeth. Having our Collingwood dentists place dental implants can help improve your oral and overall health.
What should I eat after surgery?
Eventually, you’ll be able to enjoy all the foods you love with a dental implant. However, as you recover from your dental implant surgery there are a few foods you should eat, and some you should avoid since they can irritate the incision site.
For the first few days after your implant has been placed, you’ll want to eat soft, nutritious food. Here are some foods to stock up on:
- Mashed potatoes (fibre-rich and soft, add cheese or gravy for flavour)
- Pudding
- Applesauce (high in fibre and vitamin C)
- Jell-O
- Yogurt (no nuts or granola, though)
- Warm, broth-based soups (Filled with essential vitamins and protein-rich)
Will my dental implants function like my natural teeth?
Dental implants are a long-term solution that are customizable. Your dentist will choose replacement teeth that blend well with the shape and colour of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are fused to the jawbone and allow you to speak, eat and drink without hassle. If you're 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?
With proper care and occasional readjustments, dental implants can last a lifetime. Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants can be a very long-lasting solution to your missing teeth.
Depending on your case, implants may be a more cost-effective solution in terms of overall lifetime cost when compared to bridges or crowns, which may need to be replaced a number of times over your lifetime.
Proper Care
Caring for your dental implants is as easy as maintaining your natural teeth. A great at-home oral healthcare routine is essential to your implant’s long-term success, simply brush and floss twice a day.
Regular Dental Appointments
Along with a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, it’s also imperative to continue visiting your dentist twice yearly. During these visits, your dentist will complete a thorough cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
They will also check the condition of your dental implant, and the health of your surrounding teeth. This gives your dentist the opportunity to address any gum issues or deterioration early, or potentially prevent them from happening.
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.
Periodontal disease and other conditions can lead to an increased risk of instability, or dental implant failure. That’s why it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions after your procedure.