Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.
going to the dentist with less anxiety
Home Care After Dental Implants
Jordan Arnold
Your dental implant's success are not just due to your dentist's skills and experience; you also have a part to play. For example, the home care you can give to your dental implant in the days following the insertion determines whether the healing will be efficient or complicated. Here are some home care tips to avoid complications:
Be Gentle When Brushing and Flossing
You need to take care so as not to irritate your implant wound while it is still healing. This means you should be gentle with your brushing and flossing so as not to cause further damage. For example, it's advisable to switch to a soft bristled brush to minimize the irritation. As for flossing, opt for gentle flossers such as soft picks and rubber tipped stimulators. If using a water flosser, keep the pressure minimum for the duration of the floss.
Wear the Night Guards As Directed
Teeth grinding and clenching interferes with your dental implant healing; the implant needs time to integrate with your natural bone. If you suffer from constant teeth grinding and clenching, your dentist will probably prescribe night guards or retainers for you to use, especially during the night when you are asleep and can't avoid the dangerous habits consciously. Use the night guards as directed so that they can prevent damage by minimizing the contact between your upper and lower teeth.
Avoid Sticky Food
Bits of food on your teeth encourage bacteria, and bacterial infection can cause your dental implant to fail. Since you can't avoid eating, you want to minimize the level of food particles as much as possible. This means you should avoid sticky food for the meantime; those tend to stick to the teeth more than other types of food and don't even get washed away by saliva.
Don't Touch the Sore Area
It's understandable that your implant area may be sore and you may feel an urge to keep touching it or feeling it with your fingers. Unfortunately, that is the easiest way to introduce germs into your mouth and implant site. Your fingers are some of the dirtiest places on your body because they touch everything; it's even difficult to keep track of all the dirty things your fingers touch.
The above tips, in addition to the aftercare instructions that your dentist will give you, should help you take care of your dental implant until it heals. Don't hesitate to call consult your dentist if you suspect anything wrong with your dentist.
Share