Have you recently had oral implants fitted and have some questions about the daily maintenance until the prosthetic tooth or teeth are attached? This is more common than you think and you may have forgotten to ask your cosmetic dental team some of these questions after the implants are fitted. But don’t worry!
In this article, 5 commonly asked things about the aftercare of dental implants Bondi Junction are answered, so you can learn a little bit more about the appropriate steps once you have had oral implants fitted.
Will the area be sore for a long time?
The fitting of an oral implant is slightly uncomfortable and may feel similar to that of a dental extraction but no, it should not be sore for a long time. For a few days, yes, but if it extends for a week after the fitting, then the best advice is to see your dental team to assess the underlying issue.
How do I keep the area clean?
For the first week or so after having an oral implant fitted, you will need to keep the area clean without using a toothbrush. Although, if you have any natural teeth in your mouth, these will still need to be brushed. To keep the implant site itself clean without putting any undue pressure onto the swollen gums, the best way to do so is to use salt water, as this will remove debris and reduce infection.
What kinds of pain relief are appropriate?
It’s worth noting that the fitting of oral implants is considered surgery and so, you will need to take pain relief that will not worsen any bruising that you may have. So if you want to take over-the-counter pain relief during the day, aim for something like paracetamol. Do not take ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can worsen bruising because they thin the blood.
Should the swelling be getting worse after a few days?
In most cases, no; when an oral implant has been fitted, you can expect there to be swelling for the first few days that should gradually recede. If this is not the case and it gets worse, then it is usually a sign that there is an underlying problem, such as an infection or gum disease.
But this will depend on the general situation as well. For example, if your gum line was to decrease in size following the fitting of an oral implant and then you brushed it aggressively and swelling occurred, this would be a normal response. But if at any point you are not sure, please contact your dental team.
Why is my implant moving?
If your newly settled oral implant is moving, then this is a sign that it either wasn’t fitted correctly or that there has been pressure applied to the area which has caused the implant to become loose.
If you spot your implant moving, the first thing you need to do is contact your dental team for a same-day appointment. The reasons as to why the implant is moving need to be assessed and corrected.
DISCLAIMER OFFSITE
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.