If you have recently undergone dental implant surgery, you will want to know how to care for your new implant and what potential problems to look for following surgery, so you may heal properly and maintain your good oral health.

Implant patients are carefully screened to ensure that they are healthy enough for dental implant surgery, as there are always risks and possible complications to the patient. Patients with allergies, existing medical conditions, bleeding disorders, infections or disorders that inhibit healing should be examined thoroughly. The surgeon plans carefully to ensure the success of any dental implant and that the patient heals properly.

Dental implant surgery has a high success rate. Failures of a dental implant usually results from infection, fracture of the implant itself, damage to the nerves, blood vessels and teeth surrounding the implant, or overloading of the dental implant. Poor positioning and poor bone quality can also pose an issue to dental implant success. A qualified surgeon can help avoid these issues, but should you face them, another surgery can replace a failed implant.

Dental implants run the risk of developing peri-implantitis, an infection and inflammation of the bone holding the implant in place. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to the loss of the implant. Be vigilant to the signs of infection and stay in touch with your surgeon, who will give you the best advice for healing.

Once a dental implant is in place, maintain your routine of good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss once, especially before bedtime. It is essential to establish and maintain a lifelong habit of good oral hygiene so that your teeth remain as healthy as possible. See your dentist twice a year for professional check-ups and cleanings.

Non-smokers and patients who have already established patterns of good oral hygiene heal faster and are more likely to have a full recovery. Your surgeon may advise you to stop smoking before your dental implant surgery to improve your odds of successful implant surgery.

Take care of your teeth and your new dental implants, see your dentist regularly, and your dental implants should last a lifetime.

Our dental office is located in Etobicoke