What can I eat after my dental implant surgery?

You can remove the first set of gauze and eat something soft one hour after your procedure. Avoid hot liquids or drinking from a straw for the first 24 hours. We recommend that you eat foods such as: Yogurt Smoothies Cold Soup Mashed Bananas Applesauce Remember to chew away from your surgical site. Slowly move to firmer food after the first day, but let your comfort level guide you while you recover.

Can certain factors put me at a larger risk for peri-implantitis?

While poor oral hygiene during your recovery phase can put you at greater risk for developing peri-implantitis, there are certain factors that can also contribute during your recovery. Some common risks of peri-implantitis include: Smoking Periodontitis Diabetes Infection Your dentist will provide you with personalized instructions on how to care for your teeth following your implant procedure if any of the risk factors listed above apply to you.

Dental Implant Aftercare Near You | Dentist in Columbus, OH

Caring for Your Restored Smile

Professionals like our own Columbus, OH, dentist, Dr. Sam Latif, consider dental implants the gold standard of restorative dentistry. That’s because they’re the only permanent tooth solution for patients with any number of missing teeth. On top of completing your smile, dental implants also stimulate healthy jawbone growth and mimic a natural tooth from root to crown.

Want to enjoy a smile that’s sure to last? Read our guide to learn more about dental implant aftercare to ensure its high quality for years to come. We’re happy to help patients in Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Worthington, OH. Call (614) 459-7300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment today!

Discover the Expertise of Dr. Sam Latif, Our Columbus Dentist Near You

Dr. Sam Latif, DMD, brings over 30 years of experience to his Columbus dental practice, where he’s recognized for delivering high-quality cosmetic and implant dentistry. Honored repeatedly as a Top Dentist in Central Ohio by Columbus Monthly and The Columbus Dispatch, Dr. Latif holds esteemed credentials, including Diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and Fellowship with the Midwest Implant Institute. He was the first dentist in Ohio to perform the Receding Gum Lift procedure, helping hundreds of patients correct gum recession with lasting results.

At Keep Smiling Columbus, Dr. Latif’s commitment to advanced technology and individualized care ensures that every patient receives thorough, comfortable treatment. His practice offers services ranging from dental implants and gum restoration to full cosmetic smile makeovers. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Latif fosters a supportive environment where patients are empowered with knowledge and feel confident about their oral health journey.

Dental Implants: What Comes Next?

Your recovery after receiving dental implants is just as vital to the success of the procedure as the treatment process itself. You should follow any post-op instructions Dr. Latif provides to ensure the success of your implant placement.

Common advice to help with your recovery may include:

Rinse your mouth to decrease the risk of infection
Avoid spitting for the first 24 hours after implant surgery
Gently brush your teeth without touching the surgical site
Change your diet to eating soft foods and cold liquids
Don’t smoke for five days after the surgery

Peri-Implantitis From Improper Dental Implant Aftercare Near Dublin

Not following your aftercare instructions can put you at risk of developing peri-implantitis, an infectious disease that can jeopardize the success of the procedure. It may result in the loss of your new restoration. Some symptoms include:

Swelling of the gums
Bleeding along the gum line
Insecurity surrounding your implant site
Discomfort near the surgical site

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact our Columbus, OH, dental office immediately at (614) 459-7300. We can schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to examine your symptoms and determine treatment with our dentist near you.

Choosing Products to Promote Long-Term Care

After the recovery from your implant procedure, our dentist near Dublin emphasizes the importance of properly caring for your fixtures to get the most out of your newly restored smile. When caring for implant restorations, we suggest the following products:

Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will decrease your chances of scratching your dental implants. Both electric and traditional toothbrushes are acceptable, as long as you brush all surfaces carefully.
Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: We recommend avoiding toothpaste that contains harsh ingredients to protect your implants. Abrasive ingredients like baking soda, which is found in whitening toothpaste, can gradually damage your enamel.
Nylon-Coated Dental Floss: Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush can’t reach. Nylon-coated floss glides in between your teeth for easy and safe cleaning throughout your mouth.
Antibacterial Mouthwash: Mouthwash helps you fend off unwanted bacteria and gum disease. Dr. Latif recommends avoiding mouthwashes that contain alcohol or whitening ingredients because they can cause you to develop a dry mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can remove the first set of gauze and eat something soft one hour after your procedure. Avoid hot liquids or drinking from a straw for the first 24 hours. We recommend that you eat foods such as:

Yogurt
Smoothies
Cold Soup
Mashed Bananas
Applesauce

Remember to chew away from your surgical site. Slowly move to firmer food after the first day, but let your comfort level guide you while you recover.

While poor oral hygiene during your recovery phase can put you at greater risk for developing peri-implantitis, there are certain factors that can also contribute during your recovery. Some common risks of peri-implantitis include:

Smoking
Periodontitis
Diabetes
Infection

Your dentist will provide you with personalized instructions on how to care for your teeth following your implant procedure if any of the risk factors listed above apply to you.

It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene while your dental implants heal. Rinse your mouth with warm water during the first 24 hours after your surgery. After the first day, you can begin to brush your teeth gently while being extra careful around the surgical site. Make sure to also take any medications prescribed by your dentist.

It’s common to feel some form of soreness and tenderness during the healing process. However, you should slowly feel less discomfort with each passing day. If the pain worsens or doesn’t go away, we encourage you to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Swelling can also occur but can be treated with a cold compress over two to three days.

Contact Dr. Latif to Learn About Dental Implant Aftercare

The path to a brighter smile doesn’t end after your dental implant procedure. Part of maintaining your oral health is caring for your new restorations to ensure your pearly whites last for many years to come. Call our Columbus, OH practice at (614) 459-7300 or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with Dr. Latif. We also serve patients who live in Knolls West, Governours Square, and Sycamore Hills, OH!

Dental Implant Aftercare in Columbus, OH

Caring for Your Restored Smile

Discover the Expertise of Dr. Sam Latif, Our Columbus Dentist Near You

Dental Implants: What Comes Next?

Peri-Implantitis From Improper Dental Implant Aftercare Near Dublin

Choosing Products to Promote Long-Term Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Dr. Latif to Learn About Dental Implant Aftercare

See If You Qualify For A Free Consultation

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