Many Springfield, IL residents who decide to get dental implants are naturally curious about what is “off limits” following this procedure. Here’s a list of things to avoid immediately after getting dental implants placed.
- Wait for Your Surgery Site to Heal Before Brushing
Once your dental implants heal, it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene, even on your false teeth. But immediately after your implant procedure, you’ll need to take brushing and flossing easy, so your site can heal. The good news for Springfield residents who choose Dr. Cross for dental implant surgery is that they often heal faster and have a positive experience. This is because Dr. Cross is the only periodontist in the area who uses microsurgery techniques for this surgery, which not only makes smaller incisions but promotes faster healing, too.
- Keep All Your Follow-Up Appointments with Dr. Cross
Just because you may feel great after your dental implant surgery doesn’t mean you should not attend your follow-up appointments with Dr. Cross. In fact, the exact opposite is true for dental implant patients. You should always keep your follow-up appointments, so Dr. Cross can check that your site is healing properly, that your implants are fusing with your jawbone correctly, and that you aren’t experiencing any complications. If something comes up last minute and you do need to miss a follow-up appointment, make sure to reschedule it ASAP.
- Avoid Nicotine Products to Prevent Implant Failure
Dental implants have a conservative success rate of 90%, meaning most Springfield residents who get them will not have any issues with them or have complications. However, among those who do experience implant complications are usually patients who use nicotine products. Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and all other tobacco products can restrict blood vessels and make it difficult for your titanium dental implant to fuse with your jawbone tissue – which is necessary for implant success. If you have a nicotine usage habit, be clear with Dr. Cross so he can correctly assess whether or not dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you. If you are able to quit your habit before fully scheduling the procedure, you may still be able to receive implants.
Answering Your Questions About Dental Implants
Dr. Cross is always happy to answer his Springfield patients’ questions about the dental implants process, including what is temporarily – or permanently – off limits after having this procedure performed. If you have questions about whether or not this permanent tooth-replacement system is right for you, the recommended thing you can do is schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Cross.
During this appointment, he’ll perform a full oral evaluation, take your medical and habit history, and determine if dental implants are right for you. He will also answer any questions you have about the procedure, the recovery process, and your life after having implants placed. To schedule this appointment, contact our office in Springfield today.
