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Life After Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

Your dentist has given you a bit of an explanation of what is involved in the dental implant procedure - but what about after the operation? Here, our Slave Lake dentists explain what to expect from life after implants.

What are dental implants?

Are you missing one or more teeth? Your dentist may recommend a dental implant to hold a tooth replacement such as a bridge or crown in place.

Dental crowns or bridges are restorations that both look and function similarly to a natural tooth. Having our dentists place dental implants into your smile can help to restore and improve your oral and overall health and prevent the negative health impacts of having a missing tooth for long periods of time. 

What should I eat after surgery?

Eventually, you’ll be able to enjoy all the foods you love with a dental implant. However, while recovering from your dental implant surgery there are a few foods you should eat, and some you should avoid as they can 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:

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

Will my dental implants function like my natural teeth?

Dental implants are a long-term and customizable solution to missing teeth. Your dental surgeon or dentist will be sure to choose a replacement tooth that blends in will with the surrounding natural teeth to complete your smile. 

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 particular case, implants may be a more cost-effective solution in terms of lifetime cost when they are compared to bridges or crowns, which may need to be replaced sooner. 

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

Along with a solid oral healthcare routine, it’s also imperative to continue visiting your dentist twice a year. During these visits, your dentist will complete a thorough cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

They will also check the condition of your dental implant and the health of your surrounding teeth. This will allow your dentist to address any gum issues or deterioration early and potentially even 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 such as periodontal disease or other conditions may lead to an increased risk of instability or dental implant failure. Because of this, it's important to follow your dentist's or surgeon's instructions after your procedure. 

Are you wondering what life after dental implants will be like? Our Slave Lake dentists can explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today.

New Patients Always Welcome

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

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