One of the biggest advantages of dental implants in Naples is that they can last for decades – even a lifetime! This makes it one of the most reliable, durable solutions available for repairing a smile that has a few gaps in it. However, no treatment is perfect; if the area around the site becomes infected, the implant could fail, and you might need to have it removed. Luckily, there are 4 simple steps you can take to help avoid this!
1. Brush Your Teeth Gently
In many ways, taking care of a prosthetic tooth supported by an implant is a lot like taking care of a natural tooth. Most notably, you’ll need to continue brushing at least twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene. Be extra careful while the implant site is still healing from surgery; you should brush lightly and gently to avoid injury while still removing the food particles and plaque that could cause an infection.
2. Floss Daily with a Reliable Method
Flossing is the best way to clean the numerous hard-to-reach spaces in your mouth and should be done at least once a day. Some patients might have trouble using traditional string floss, but fortunately there are other tools that can do the same job. A water flosser, for example, can be easier to use and, in many cases, has been found to be twice as effective as regular floss.
3. Don’t Smoke Before or After the Procedure
In addition to many other health risks, smoking inhibits the mouth’s ability to heal and can introduce harmful bacteria to the implant site. If you smoke, you might still be able to get dental implants, but you’ll be asked to give up cigarettes for at least a week before and after the procedure. Of course, the chance of an ultimately successful implant will rise significantly if you quit smoking altogether!
4. Rinse with Salt Water
An easy way to decrease the risk of infection is to rinse with a solution of 8 ounces of warm water and a teaspoon of salt. This will raise the pH levels in your mouth, making it harder for the harmful oral bacteria to survive. You should wait at least 24 hours after surgery to use the salt water, but after that you can use it to rinse every two hours.
Your dentist in Naples can give you more suggestions for avoiding an infection. You should also be aware of worrisome symptoms such as a loose implant post, bleeding or swollen gums, the formation of pus, pain around the implant site, and a bad taste in the mouth. These are all signs that you need to make an appointment right away to give yourself the best chance of reversing the damage and saving your new teeth.
About the Practice
At Galleria Dentistry, Drs. Gery Benza, Anthony Benza and Chelsea Benza work as a family to provide patients with compassionate, high-quality dentistry. If you have missing teeth, they can examine your oral health and help you take the first steps towards getting dental implants. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (239) 206-8003.