Once you receive a dental restoration, proper dental implant crown aftercare is essential. Our professional tips will help with healing and ensure you enjoy the functional and aesthetic benefits of a same-day crown. To maximize the chances of a successful procedure, here are a few tips from the professionals at Implants 4 Life.
Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day
Rinse a soft toothbrush with lukewarm water and thoroughly brush around the implant crown. Be gentle to avoid irritating the area surrounding the implant. Then rinse with salt water to reduce swelling and speed up healing.
Your dentist may provide other instructions on how to brush or clean your mouth. It’s important to follow these as your aftercare needs may be different than for someone else. Proper oral hygiene can prevent infections and other complications that can prolong recovery or lead to implant failure.
Use Any Recommended Tools
Your dentist may recommend using a Waterpik to access hard-to-reach areas around and under the implant. An electric toothbrush with a round head and soft bristles can also be beneficial. It is often more effective at removing plaque than a manual brush. If your dentist doesn’t instruct you on these, ask them what type of brush is best suited for you.
Floss Regularly
Flossing is an oral hygiene routine recommended for everyone, but it’s especially important for dental implant crown aftercare. It helps remove food particles, debris, and materials that can lead to plaque buildup. If this occurs, the implant can be damaged and gum problems may result.
Therefore, we recommend flossing under the implant crown and around the implant. Wrap the floss around the implant and move it up and down. This will loosen food and bacteria. Use a different section of floss for each implant. Flossing should be done at least once a day.
Use a Fluoride Rinse
Your dentist may provide a prescription-strength fluoride rinse. It can prevent gum inflammation, which is caused by bacteria and is common after a dental implant crown procedure. You can also use store-bought oral rinses. But avoid any rinse that contains hydrogen peroxide, which can cause a reaction that damages and discolors your restoration.
Eat Soft Foods
A proper diet is crucial as you’re healing. Your implant is still integrating with the bone and your gum will be sensitive. Eat mashed potatoes, ground meat, eggs, yogurt, fish, sauteed vegetables, and other softer foods. Getting proper nutrition is also essential, as it will help your body heal faster.
Your dentist will provide a list of foods and meals you can eat. In addition to hard or crunchy foods, they’ll instruct you to avoid sticky food items as well as sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Soft drinks, orange juice, candy, and some meats can contain acid that will wear out your crown.
Pain Medication/Remedies
Dental implant crown aftercare also includes remedies for any discomfort during recovery. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter medication. They can also suggest using ice packs on the area and elevating your head while sleeping. Symptoms to watch for will also be listed, so you’ll know to seek medical help if, for example, you experience severe pain, persistent bleeding, or fever.
Get Plenty of Rest
Avoid exercise and rigorous activities for as long as your dentist recommends. The sutures at your surgical site must stay intact. Try to complete chores before the procedure so you have less to do afterward. Your body is healing, so resting will help you recover faster and avoid irritation, injury, or damage to the implant site.
Wear a Night Guard as Advised
If you clench or grind your teeth, the pressure and force can damage the implant and surrounding teeth. Pressures of up to 600 psi can also damage your gums and jaw. Implants are more vulnerable because they’re fused with the jawbone (natural teeth have some give when you’re chewing).
If clenching or grinding is a problem for you, your implant specialist may recommend wearing an occlusal guard at night. It’s molded from a model of your teeth and works by keeping your teeth separated. The night guard also helps your jaw muscles relax while you’re sleeping.
Visit Your Dentist for Check-Ups
Follow-up appointments after surgery and visiting your dentist for 6-month examinations and cleanings are important aspects of dental implant crown aftercare. Inform them of any redness, swelling, or pain. A dentist can take steps to remedy any issue before it gets worse.
Schedule an Appointment with Implants 4 Life
We provide same-day crowns in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita using CEREC technology. Our simple process includes taking digital impressors and milling your restoration from high-quality porcelain. All the work is done in-house and completed in one visit. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call (818) 696-4897 today.
