Today, our Ottawa dentists explain what to expect from life after dental implants and offer advice on how to properly care for them.
What are dental implants?
Are you missing one or more teeth? Your dentist may recommend a dental implant to hold a tooth replacement such as a bridge or crown in place.
Having our Ottawa dentists place dental implants can help improve your oral and overall health. Replacing missing teeth can help restore your smile, make it easier to speak and chew, and help you maintain your facial structure.
What should I eat after surgery?
Eventually, you’ll be able to enjoy all the foods you love with a dental implant. However, while recovering from your dental implant surgery you avoid hard foods that require chewing.
You’ll want to eat soft food for the first few days after surgery. Here are some foods to stock up on:
- Mashed potatoes
- Pudding
- Applesauce
- Jell-O
- Soft, mashed fruits such as avocados or bananas
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt (no nuts or granola, though)
- Blended soups or broth
Will my dental implants function like my natural teeth?
Dental implants are a long-term solution that are meant to function like your natural teeth. The implants are fused to the jawbone and you’ll be able to speak, eat and drink without hassle. If you are 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?
Dental implants are meant to last for 25 years or more, and usually only need occasional readjustments. Compared to other teeth replacement options, dental implants can be a long-lasting solution if they are cared for properly.
Depending on your case, implants may be a more cost-effective solution in terms of lifetime cost when compared to bridges or crowns, which may need to be replaced sooner.
Proper Care
Caring for your dental implants is as easy as maintaining your natural teeth. Make sure to brush and floss twice a day—a great oral healthcare routine is essential to your implant’s long-term success.
Regular Dental Appointments
Along with a solid oral healthcare routine, it’s also imperative to continue visiting your dentist twice a year. During these routine hygiene visits, your dental hygienist will complete a thorough cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your dentist will examine your mouth.
They will also check the condition of your dental implant, and the health of your surrounding teeth to ensure there are no developing issues.
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.
Certain diseases such as periodontal disease or 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 or surgeon’s instructions after your procedure.
