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Dental Implant Care

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Caring for Your Dental Implants

Dental Implants are a natural- looking solution to missing teeth and should be cared for in the same way as you would care for your natural teeth. Now that you have a stunning smile, we recommend that you follow Dr. Chao’s dental implant care guide to keep your new teeth healthy and beautiful.

Cartoon man brushing his teeth in the bathroom.

Initial Recovery Period Care

Immediately following your dental implant procedure, your teeth and gums may be a little sore. In order for them to heal correctly, it’s important to take precautions for the first couple weeks of recovery.

As long as you follow these simple tips, you should experience little to no pain during this initial recovery period:
1. Don’t spit or use a straw — applying too much pressure to the surgical site can affect recovery time
2. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking
3. Rinse with salt water two to three times a day — this will help clean out the implant area
4. Minimize your physical activity

What Should I Eat?

It’s likely that the area around your implants will be sensitive after the procedure. Dr. Chao recommends that you eat softer, healthier foods such as scrambled eggs, fruit smoothies, and mashed potatoes.

Chewing may be difficult for the first 10-14 days after dental implant surgery, which is why it’s recommended that you avoid hard foods such as chips, popcorn, and nuts. These types of foods may cause pain or inflammation of the gums if eaten before your surgical site has healed.

Implants Can Last A Lifetime

Dental implants are made of a durable material and attached directly to the jawbone, making them just as strong, if not stronger, as your natural teeth. If you implement the proper care tips into your everyday routine, dental implants can last a lifetime.

How to Care For Your Dental Implants

Proper care is vital for the longevity of your dental implants. Like natural teeth, dental implants require regular hygiene routines and checkups with Dr. Chao.

In order for your dental implants to stay beautiful, we recommend that you:

Bush twice a day with a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste
Floss at least once a day with nylon coated floss
Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash
Schedule check-ups with Dr. Chao every six months

Contact Us with Questions and Concerns

Once you’ve recovered from your dental implant procedure, you’ll start experiencing the life-changing benefits. If you have questions or concerns about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to contact our Pleasanton office. Dr. Chao will be happy to provide further details about dental implant care.

As always, you should be visiting our Longview office twice a year for your regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleanings. At these appointments, our team will assure your smile looks beautiful and that your implants remain in good condition.

If you have any questions about your healing process or long-term care for your dental implants, call our office today to speak with one of our team members.