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Life After Dental Implants: What you Need to Know

Your dentist may have informed you about the procedure for receiving dental implants, but what about after your operation? Here, our Smithers dental team explains what you should expect from a life post-implant procedure. 

What are dental implants?

Are one or more of your teeth missing? Your dentist may recommend a dental implant as a root for holding a replacement tooth (like a bridge or crown) in place.

Dental bridges or crowns are restorations that look and function similar to a natural tooth. Having our Smithers dentists place dental implants can help improve your oral and overall health.

What should I eat after surgery?

Down the road, you will be able to enjoy all the foods you love with a dental implant. However, while you are recovering from the placement surgery, there are a few kinds of food you should eat and some you should avoid which would irritate the incision site.

You’ll want to eat soft, nutritious food for the first few days after surgery. Here are some foods to stock up on:

  • Jell-O
  • Mashed potatoes (fibre-rich and soft, add cheese or gravy for flavour)
  • Warm, broth-based soups (Filled with essential vitamins and protein-rich)
  • Pudding
  • Applesauce (high in fibre and vitamin C)
  • Yogurt (no nuts or granola, though)

Will my dental implants function like my natural teeth?

Dental implants are a customizable long-term solution for missing teeth. Your dentist will choose a tooth replacement that will blend in well with your natural teeth and restore your smile's function.

The implants are fused to the jawbone and you’ll be able to speak, eat and drink without hassle. If you are curious about how people experienced life with dental implants, you may want to look up dental implant reviews online for ideas, tips and encouragement. 

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are meant to last a lifetime, and usually only need occasional readjustments. Compared to other teeth replacement options, dental implants can be a long-lasting solution if they are cared for properly.

Depending on your unique situation, implants may actually be a more cost-effective solution over the course of your life when compared to crowns or bridges. Those tooth replacements often need to be replaced sooiner than an implant.

Proper Care

Caring for your dental implants is as easy as maintaining your natural teeth. Make sure to brush and floss twice a day, as a great oral healthcare routine is essential to your implant’s long-term success.

Regular Dental Appointments

Alongside a regular and diligent oral healthcare routine, it's critical that you continue to visit your dentist twice each year. At these visits, your dentist will conduct comprehensive cleanings of your teeth (including your implant) in order to keep your gums and your smile as healthy as possible.

He or she will also check the condition of your dental implant, and the health of your surrounding teeth. This allows your dentist to address any gum issues or deterioration early, or potentially prevent them entirely.

How can I maintain excellent health?

Lifestyle choices (such as abstaining from smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol) remain an important factor in your oral and overall health when it comes to life after dental implants.

Certain diseases like periodontal disease or infections may lead to instability or failure in your dental implant. Because of this, it's critical that you follow the instructions of your dentist or surgeon following your dental implant procedure.

Are you wondering what life after your dental implant surgery will look like? Our dental team in Smithers are here to answer any questions you might have about the procedure or the time after. Contact us today for more information.

New Patients Always Welcome

Looking for a dentist in Smithers? We're happily accepting new patients at our dental clinic! Contact us to get started. 

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