Dental Implant Care

The Key to Long-Lasting Dental Implants

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

Dental implants can be a life-changing procedure, boosting self-confidence and making you feel like the best version of yourself. But there’s one key to success that happens after you leave the dentist’s chair: dental implant care. In many ways, proper aftercare for your dental implants is just as critical as the procedure itself.

Dental implants have a very high success rate, especially when installed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Lewis. Although dental implants can fail for a variety of reasons, many cases can be traced back to the low quality of the materials used or the lack of experience of the dentist performing the procedure.

Follow-up care is also extremely important. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular cleanings will diminish risks associated with the procedure. For best results, be sure to follow our dental implant care tips as closely as possible.

Let’s dive into how to get the most out of your dental implants with easy and effective aftercare tips.

Tips for Successful Dental Implant Aftercare

Did you know dental implants have an impressive success rate of about 95%? That’s great news – but dental implants can fail in certain circumstances! The key to success is taking aftercare seriously. Luckily, keeping your implants in top shape isn’t complicated — it just takes some consistency and attention to detail.

Be sure to follow these 10 essential tips for caring for your dental implants:

1. Become an oral hygiene all-star: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your implants and surrounding gums.
2. Floss every day: Use implant-friendly floss once a day to remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas around your implant.
3. Drink plenty of water: Yes, hydration is important to your oral health. Drinking water helps rinse away bacteria and keep your mouth fresh — plus, it’s great for overall health, too!
4. Avoid hard or sticky foods: Protect your implants by steering clear of overly tough or chewy foods, especially early in the healing phase.
5. Quit smoking: Smoking is bad for oral health in pretty much every way. It significantly increases the risk of implant failure, so if you’re considering dental implants or recently got them, consider using it as motivation to quit for good.
6. Limit alcohol: Alcohol can slow down the healing process, especially in the first few weeks after your procedure. Drinking can also make it harder to stick to a regular brushing and flossing regimen.
7. Visit your dentist regularly: Your provider will have more information about regular appointment frequency. Essentially, routine check-ups ensure your implants are healthy and allow your dentist to catch potential issues early.
8. Use antimicrobial mouthwash: A dentist-recommended rinse can help reduce bacteria and promote healing, keeping your mouth in optimal condition.
9. Catch warning signs early: If you notice or feel something unusual, don’t ignore it. Look out for redness, swelling, or discomfort around your implant. If anything feels off contact your dentist right away.
10. Be patient with healing: Your implants won’t be at full strength immediately. Give them time to integrate with your jawbone. Follow all your dentist’s post-op instructions carefully for the best outcome.

Get Dental Implants in Vancouver, WA

While aftercare is a critical part of success, choosing the right dental implant provider is just as important. That’s where we come in. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we combine experience, skill, and a passion for patient care to help you achieve a smile that’s beautiful, functional, and long-lasting.

Ready to get started? Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a smile you love! Or if you’re looking for more information about dental implants, check out our dental implant learning center!

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