What Aftercare Might Your Dental Implants Need?

If you have had dental implants fitted to act as the anchor points for some crowns or a bridge, then you may think that there is nothing else to think about once they've been implanted. However, your dentist might need to attend to some issues as they arise with your implants down the line. While it isn't common for people with implants to require aftercare following the surgical procedure, it is not unheard of. Therefore, you should be aware of the potential reasons your dentist might recommend further treatment after your dental implants have been fitted. Read on to find out the most common causes for this to occur.

Immediate Aftercare

In the first few days and weeks following the fitting of your dental implants, the healing process will be of paramount importance. After such a procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort in the gums. Swelling and minor bleeding are also common because the gum will have been cut to allow access to the jawbone, where your implants have been fixed. To manage these symptoms, patients should follow any specific recommendations their dentist makes including returning soon after for a check-up. Other recommended actions might include taking over-the-counter pain relievers or applying ice to the affected area. To assist with the immediate aftercare of your implants, try to maintain a soft food diet.

Peri-Implantitis

After your dental implants have been fitted for a while, you may begin to suffer from a bacterial infection known as peri-implantitis. This is not common and can be overcome by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. Basically, a lack of cleanliness around the implants may cause inflammation in the surrounding gum and bone. If left unchecked, this can lead to bone loss. See your dentist immediately if you notice any loosening with your implant or it could lead to a complete failure.

Prosthetic Problems

Although dental implants are embedded in the jawbone and are, therefore, designed to last a lifetime, this isn't the case with the prosthetic components that attach to them. For example, your bridge or crown might crack if you were to bite on something too hard. Equally, they can go out of shape if they're not looked after properly. Either way, trauma, or just simple wear and tear, can lead to them putting pressure on your implants. Again, this is something that your dentist will be able to rectify for you. Doing so is easier the sooner a problem is detected and acted upon.


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