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(614) 459-7300

Dental Implant Aftercare in Columbus, OH

Care for Your Dental Implants to Ensure a Lifetime of Smiles!

(614) 459-7300
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Caring for Your Restored Smile

Dentists like our own Columbus, OH professional, Dr. Sam Latif considers 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.

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

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, office immediately at (614) 459-7300. We can schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to examine your symptoms and determine treatment.

Choosing Products to Promote Long-Term Care

After the recovery from your implant procedure, our dentist 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

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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!

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