Recently had an oral implant fitted and have some questions about the aftercare?
In this article, 5 common queries about oral implant aftercare are answered, so read on to learn more.
How should I keep the implant site clean?
Keeping a dental implant Melbourne clean for the first few days after fitting will involve swilling saltwater to remove debris.
When brushing any surrounding natural teeth, you should aim to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and should avoid using harsh mouthwashes that can heighten irritation.
The implant site looks swollen; is that normal?
In a word, yes.
The gum tissue around where you had the oral implant secured is going to be swollen for a few days, depending on the type of implant you have had fitted. But this swelling should naturally go down on its own. If it doesn’t, or if it gets larger or uncomfortable, please seek out emergency dental care, as you may have an infection or may be suffering from a rare allergic reaction to the titanium implant.
How likely is an infection after implants are fitted?
Infections after tooth implants are rare, but when they happen they need to be treated as quickly as possible.
Signs of an infection with an oral implant include abnormal swelling, discomfort, discolouration of the gum, pus, feeling feverish and ill, nausea, vomiting and bleeding around the site of the implant.
But these are just some of the signs that there may be an issue; if you aren’t sure if you have an infection after having your oral implants fitted, please talk to your dentist for more advice.
When should I see my dentist for a check-up?
Once your implants have been fitted, you will be given a follow-up appointment to see your dental team in the next 2-3 weeks, depending on how complicated the surgery was and on risk factors.
You must keep these appointments, as they allow your dentist to look for signs of infection with the implant and they can also assess how well the implant is fusing. It also allows you the time to ask questions about aftercare, so make sure you attend each appointment that is set for you.
When will the prosthetics be fitted?
This will depend on how long it takes the implants to fuse with the surrounding bone.
If you have had an endosteal implant fitted, this can take between 3-6 months depending on your age and general health. For zygomatic implants, the fusing process can take up to 9 months as the implants are longer.
However, if you are having subperiosteal implants fitted it may be a matter of weeks, as the frame used to support the implants is placed under the gums but on top of the jaw, meaning that there is no fusing required for the implants to be secured. Your dental team may just want your gum line to be fully healed for the prosthetics to be attached.
As for mini or micro-implants, depending on how many you are having fitted, you may be able to have the prosthetic teeth applied on the same day that the implants are fitted, but talk to your dentist about your suitability for this.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
