How to Prevent an Infection After Getting Dental Implants

How to Prevent an Infection After Getting Dental Implants from Northside Dental Care, PC in Peabody, MAFor many people, dental implants are life-changing, as they drastically improve the appearance of the smile and increase overall comfort and function. That said, the process of installing implants is invasive, requiring several surgeries. As with any surgery, proper care post-implantation is key to preventing infection and ensuring the procedure’s success.

Reducing risk of infection following dental implants surgery

Any area of the body that undergoes surgery becomes exposed for a while and takes time to heal, meaning it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The good news is that the risk of infection after dental implant surgery is relatively low, and even treating infection can be easy if a patient sees a dentist after developing warning signs. Symptoms of infection include the following:

  • Red or swollen gums at the site of the implant
  • Loose or wobbly implants
  • Pus emanating from the area of the implant
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
  • Dull ache or throbbing pain
  • Fever
  • Visible threads
  • Bleeding when brushing around the implant

All of these symptoms can typically be avoided with proper care post-implant surgery.

Good oral hygiene

A robust oral hygiene routine is a recommended way to prevent an infection from occurring after dental implant surgery. An implant patient’s oral hygiene routine should consist of gently brushing twice a day as normal. Regular brushing helps to prevent the buildup of infection-causing bacteria.

In addition to brushing, patients should also floss regularly. Flossing helps to remove the food particles that a toothbrush cannot reach and ensures that the gums and teeth have a healthy environment in which they can thrive.

Rinse regularly

An essential aspect of the dental implant healing process is rinsing. Patients are advised to rinse the mouth once or twice a day with a dentist-approved mouthwash or a saltwater solution. When the wound is healing, it is much more prone to infection from stubborn bacteria. Rinsing helps to control bacteria buildup and, subsequently, reduce the risk of infection.

Avoid smoking

Smoking not only invites a ton of bacteria into the mouth but also jeopardizes the body’s ability to heal properly. As a result, it is one of the worst things a patient can do post-implant surgery. Dentists advise patients to avoid smoking both prior to and following surgery.

Avoid foods and beverages high in sugar

Sugar is bad for the gums at any time, but it is especially damaging to gums that are in the healing process. At least while the implants heal, patients should avoid foods and beverages that contain a lot of sugar, as it can cause excess bacteria buildup. Sugar particles are also extremely small and can hide in the deepest crevices of the mouth, including within the site of the surgery.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Peabody, MA.

Conclusion

Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, but only if the initial implantation succeeds. If you want your procedure to be a success, talk to a dentist about ways to care for the implants immediately following the surgery and long into the future.

Request an appointment or call Northside Dental Care, PC at 978-206-7077 for an appointment in our Peabody office.

Recent Posts

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are stable structures that can replace missing teeth. They consist of durable, biocompatible materials. Knowing why these restorations last for a long time can motivate you to invest in your dental health. Here are the details on how long dental implants can serve you.Dental implants fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. The…

What Is The Process Of Getting A Dental Implant?

Studies show that dental implants remain the gold standard in dental restorations. These dental replacements are the most stable ones that you can get. It may be invasive, but once it heals well, you will have good dental function again. Here are the details about the process of getting dental implants.The dentist will examine the…

How To Get Approved For Dental Implants

The dental implant process is lengthy and intricate. Therefore, patients must receive a thorough examination before embarking on the dental implant process. The dentist will check for abnormalities, sufficient amounts of healthy gum tissue and jawbone, and specific medical or lifestyle concerns. Fortunately, if any of these issues are present, some services can improve the…

Recent Posts

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are stable structures that can replace missing teeth. They consist of durable, biocompatible materials. Knowing why these restorations last for a long time can motivate you to invest in your dental health. Here are the details on how long dental implants can serve you.Dental implants fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. The…

Benefits Of Dentures With All On   Implants

Benefits Of Dentures With All-on-4 Implants

All-on-4® implants are indispensable solutions to deteriorating teeth. Part of losing teeth is looking for a good solution for it. Removable dentures seem to be good options at first. Yet, as bone resorption and periodontal disease take over, you need a more secure alternative. All-on-4 implants are a good option for those transitioning from dentures.…