Adjusting to Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are the next best thing to your healthy, natural teeth! Not only do they help restore the look of your beautiful smile, but they also help maintain good oral health. Many dentists in Winnipeg will recommend dental implants as an effective, long-term solution for patients with one or more missing teeth.
If you’re considering tooth replacement but aren’t sure what to expect, continue reading for everything you need to know about dental implants!
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that looks, feels, fits and functions like the natural tooth it’s meant to replace, when implanted by an experienced dentist. A permanent solution, the implant is fused to your jawbone, allowing you to eat, speak and smile with ease. But wait, the benefits don’t end there! When your jawbone doesn’t have anything to support, it loses its strength and firmness and slowly starts to deteriorate. Dental implants help preserve the bone in your mouth and provide structural support for remaining teeth.
Adjusting to Your Dental Implants
Like any other surgical procedure, there is a certain healing period following the installation of dental implants. Patients sometimes report soreness or sensitivity in the gums and jaw; however, these aftereffects typically subside within several days. Your dentist will normally prescribe a mild painkiller to help alleviate the discomfort. Make sure to take all medication as directed by your dentist, and wash your mouth with a non-alcoholic, anti-microbial rinse to reduce
inflammation.
Furthermore, it’s normal to experience a little bit of discomfort when eating at first. Switch to a soft diet in the initial days following your procedure, and slowly integrate regular foods back into your regime as pain and sensitivity decrease.
Caring for your Dental Implants
Like with your natural teeth, improper cleaning and maintenance of dental implants can lead to gum disease and other oral health concerns. While replacement teeth can’t actually decay, they can experience the same wear and tear as regular teeth, so it’s important to speak with your trusted dentist in Winnipeg about proper oral hygiene practices. Make sure to brush at least two times a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily. If you experience increased sensitivity around the implant(s) when cleaning between your teeth, try using a water flosser or other alternative to string floss. While you might need periodic adjustments to correct their fit over time, your implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for.
In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s important to maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups with your dentist in Winnipeg to ensure the longevity of your dental implants. At Tache Dental Centre, we’re committed
to providing the highest standard of preventative care to ensure your oral health stays in prime condition!
Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you feel embarrassed because your smile looks different? For more than 40 years, Tache Dental Centre has been helping families in Winnipeg smile bright! Contact us to find out more
about our dental restoration options or to schedule an appointment to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
