If you’re missing one or more teeth and thinking about getting dental implants, you’ve probably heard all about their benefits. They can last for thirty or more years with the proper care and can improve your oral health in the long term. But if you’re going to move forward with dental implants, you should also be aware of the potential risks. Although not likely, dental implant placement surgery, as with any surgery, does involve the risk of developing an infection that can affect the tissues in the bone and gums, called peri-implantitis. It looks and acts a lot like gum disease and can cause implant failure if left untreated. So, here are five ways you can help prevent dental implant infection in Jacksonville.
Choose a Qualified Specialist
If you’re going to get dental implants in Jacksonville, you want to make sure it’s done right. Take the time to find a qualified, experienced specialist who has a proven record of successful dental implants. Make sure they and their staff have quality-control methods in place to ensure that they do the job correctly. Many dental offices provide a consultation, so you can take the opportunity to “interview” the dentist before proceeding with dental implants.
Rinse with Salt Water
Although you shouldn’t within the first 24 hours after your placement procedure, rinsing with salt water during the rest of your recovery can help keep the bacteria under control while the site heals. After a while, you could switch to rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash if you desire.
Choose a Soft Diet
For a few weeks after your placement surgery, you may need to eat soft foods, such as the following:
- Oatmeal.
- Smoothies.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Yogurt.
Also, avoid gum or foods that are especially chewy or sticky, because these can introduce bacteria to the site and keep them there. In addition, hard or crunchy foods, such as chips, could disrupt the implant and prolong the healing process.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking brings a lot of bacteria into your mouth and can impede your body’s ability to heal. It is especially important to avoid smoking during the week before and one week after your surgery to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene
Maintain your healthy oral habits after the procedure to make sure the site area stays clean. These habits include brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Continuing these actions into the future will help ensure your dental implant’s long lifespan.
Not all infections after dental implant surgery can be prevented, but most can. By doing these five things, you can give your body the best chance possible for healing and for dental implant success in the long term. For more information or to get started with dental implants, contact your dentist in Jacksonville today!
About the Practice
At Jacksonville Dental Specialists, patients have access to two experienced, well-trained specialists—Dr. Matthew Nawrocki, a prosthodontist, and Dr. Richard Aguila, a periodontist—in tooth replacement, oral surgery, and advanced cosmetic solutions. They are certified providers of Hybridge, which ensures advanced training, quality controls, and the use of the highest quality materials. To schedule an appointment with them, you can call (904) 683-4781 or click here.