How to Prevent an Infection in Your Dental Implants

How to Prevent an Infection in Your Dental Implants from Hudson Emergency Dental and Implant Center in Bayonne, NJFor individuals who need to restore or replace damaged or missing teeth, dental implants are lasting, high-quality restoration options. The process can be lengthy from start to finish, but this dental appliance gives patients results worth waiting for. However, without the right aftercare, an infection can form and cause extreme discomfort to a patient. Proper dental hygiene and prevention efforts can reduce the likelihood of infection setting in.

Who needs dental implants?

For adults who have experienced tooth loss as a result of mouth trauma, infection, decay, or another reason, implants are alternatives to bridges and dentures. Adolescents who have gone through the phase of facial development, generally past the age 16 for girls and 18 for boys, may also be good candidates. These appliances are designed to last for many decades, protect healthy teeth and facial bones, and provide a permanent tooth replacement option.

How can infections be prevented?

As with any treatment or procedure, following the instructions of the care provider is crucial for avoiding complications. With implants, these four tips can reduce the chance of developing an infection as the wound in the mouth heals, second to the dental professional's advice.

1. Rinse regularly

The mouth is a gathering place for bacteria, and removing plaque is one of the reasons teeth brushing is so important. During the healing after the implant procedure, there is a greater concern that bacteria can form inside the wound and cause infection. Thoroughly rinsing the mouth out helps keep the wound and mouth free from harmful germs. Saltwater or mouthwash are both effective in keeping the area clean.

2. Keep up with dental hygiene

Even without implants, it is recommended that good oral hygiene include brushing and flossing at least twice a day. In the days immediately following the procedure, brushing must be gentle near the area around the wound. However, do not avoid brushing, as the surrounding teeth could harbor bacteria or particles that can cause infection. Flossing is also important, as this process removes particles trapped between the teeth.

3. Maintain dental checkups

The provider who placed the dental implants will give a schedule of when to visit the office for a checkup. The wound will be evaluated to ensure that bacteria are not forming, and in addition to preventative measures, a patient may be prescribed a medication to address signs of infection.

4. Avoid damaging foods

As far as dental health is considered, food and drinks that are high in sugar should be avoided. Sugary substances increase the amount of bacteria that gets trapped in hard-to-reach places, increasing the threat of infection. Rinsing directly after consuming foods high in sugar can help reduce the risk.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Implants in Bayonne, NJ

Conclusion

Dental implants are a reliable way to restore uniformity, function, and beauty to a mouth with lost teeth, but an infection can make the healing process more difficult. It is much easier to adopt healthy oral hygiene habits to prevent the risk of infection, rather than trying to deal with the pain and process of clearing one up.

Request an appointment or call Hudson ER Dental at 201-620-9574 for an appointment in our Bayonne office.

Related Posts

What Are The Advantages Of Getting Dental Implants

Before the invention of dental implants, the only options available to replace a lost tooth were dentures or bridges. Today, dental implants offer a solution that looks and feels like a natural tooth. They are attractive and comfortable, and they provide many advantages.If you are considering replacing a lost tooth with an implant, there are…

How To Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the options you get to choose from if you are missing one or more teeth. A growing number of people are opting for implants thanks to the convenience that comes with them and their bone tissue preserving properties. Dental implants are rods/screws that are inserted into the jawbone to serve…

Getting Follow Up Care After Dental Implants

Dental implants offer individuals the opportunity to regain a fully functioning set of teeth. The aftercare procedures are imperative to ensure the surgical area heals and implant osseointegration occurs. Osseointegration is the process by which the bone in the jaw fuses with the implant posts. This creates the solid foundation needed to support the apparatus.…