Life After Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

While you have been fully informed of what to expect during dental implant surgery, what will the recovery process and life with dental implants look like? Today, our Napanee dentists explain what you should expect moving forward once your dental implant surgery has been completed.

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.

Dental bridges or crowns are restorations that look and function similar to a natural tooth. Having our Napanee dentists place dental implants can help improve your oral and overall health.

What foods are best to eat after dental implant 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 there are a few foods you should eat, and some you should avoid as they can irritate the incision site.

You’ll want to eat soft, nutritious food for the first few days after surgery. 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 I be able to use my teeth as normal after dental implants?

Dental implants are a long-term solution and are customizable. Your surgeon will choose replacement teeth that blend well with 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 can I expect dental implants to last?

Dental implants are meant to last a lifetime, 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.

Ongoing dental care

Caring for your dental implants is as easy as maintaining your natural teeth. Make sure to brush and floss twice a day, as a great oral healthcare routine is essential to your implant’s long-term success.

Routine dental appointments

Along with a solid oral healthcare routine, it’s also imperative to continue visiting your dentist twice a year. During these visits, your dentist will complete a thorough cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

He or she will also check the condition of your dental implant, and the health of your surrounding teeth. This allows your dentist to address any gum issues or deterioration early, or potentially prevent them entirely.

What can I do to help maintain y dental 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.