Getting dental implants is an exciting time in anyone’s life, but it’s not uncommon for patients to have plenty of questions about the process. If you’re having your placement surgery soon, here are a few common queries patients like you often ask, and why you can rest assured you’ve made the right choice for your smile.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If getting dental implants were as easy as purchasing them for a few bucks at the store, most people would probably not worry about how long they lasted. But because the entire treatment process is a significant investment in both your time and your money, it makes sense to want to get the most out of them as you can. The great news is that with proper care and use, your new smile has a 95 percent success rate, even ten years after placement, and could potentially last a lifetime. Furthermore, in the rare chance they do fail, it is often possible to try again following preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy or bone grafting.
How Should I Care for My New Smile?
Dental implants may not be able to get cavities like real teeth, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to care for them. Thus, be sure to brush them twice a day and floss daily and visit your dentist every six months for your routine checkups and cleanings (yes, even if you have no remaining natural teeth).
You can start brushing your new smile 24 hours after your placement surgery, and in between meals keep your mouth clean and comfortable by mixing ¼ teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and swishing gently. However, avoid using any mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide rinses for at least two weeks post-op.
Is Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery Painful?
Your dentist will use local anesthesia during your dental implant placement procedure. Typically, this will begin wearing off in about two to four hours post-op. If you’ve been prescribed pain relievers, take them as directed. If not, you can often use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but If you have any questions or concerns about dosages, speak to your dentist or primary care physician.
Will My Incisions Need Stitches or Sutures?
Yes, in most cases you’ll likely need sutures or stitches following your initial dental implant surgery. This is because incisions must be made in the gums to insert the posts and must be closed to prevent food and bacteria from entering the site. In most cases, you will be given dissolving stitches which should go away on their own within three to five days; however, if they don’t, please call your dentist for guidance. Never try to pull on or cut sutures out on your own!
When Can I Resume Smoking?
Ideally, you should not resume smoking or using tobacco products at any time. However, if you must, please try to wait for as long as possible. Smoking not only interferes with your body’s natural healing process, but it can also increase your risk of infection and dental implant failure.
Remember, it’s understandable that you’re eager to get your new dental implants, but it’s perfectly normal to have some questions along the way, too. The good news is that with proper care and use, your new smile has excellent odds for success. If you still have any concerns, reach out to your dentist for help so you can feel confident you’re on the right track to a healthy, beautiful, pain-free smile!
About Our Practice
At Goodman Dental Care, Dr. Gary Goodman and Dr. Jeremy Goodman are eager to help you restore your beautiful healthy smile with durable, lifelike dental implants. Naturally, they expect you to have a few questions along the way. To learn more about this procedure, visit us for a consultation, and we can answer any of your queries, address your concerns, and get started creating a treatment plan that brings back your gorgeous grin for a lifetime. To schedule your appointment for dental implants, visit our website or call us today at 410-263-1919.