A Guide To Taking Care Of Your Dental Implant

Dental implants have been used for over three decades to help patients cope with the structural and cosmetic problems associated with missing teeth. When a dental implants is cared for properly, it can last a lifetime and has an overall success rate of over 90 percent.

Dr. Hossein Javid is an experienced general dentist in El Segundo, CA. He should be your first resource about how to take care of your implant and reduce complication risks, but the tips below can help as well.

Take Steps to Stop Smoking

Smoking can greatly reduce positive outcomes for patients with implants and is one of the top causes of complications. If you are even an occasional smoker, it is crucial to talk with Dr. Javid and come up with a smoking cessation plan.

Watch for Bleeding Gums and Tell Your Dentist Accordingly

Discomfort associated with dental implants usually subsides a week or less after the initial procedure. If you have pain that persists beyond that time frame or notice that your gums are bleeding, contact your dentist immediately.

Bleeding gums is a sign you may be developing peri-implantitis, a condition characterized by an infection of the tissue surrounding the implant. It may cause an implant to fall out or otherwise fail, especially if untreated.

Follow All Provided Oral Care Instructions

Dr. Javid and his team will give you a complete oral care regimen to follow after a dental implant has been installed. The exact instructions will vary depending on your situation, but it may be recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss that is specifically made for post-implant patients.

Besides following this information, make sure to contact Dr. Javid’s office if you have any questions about caring for your implant. Get in touch today to start the process of treating tooth loss with dental implants.