Don’t you love it if your dental implants last for a lifetime? Then you should care for your dental implants as you’d care for your natural teeth. Thorough oral hygiene is necessary to prevent diseases around the implants. With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, you can keep your new teeth throughout life.

Here are some valuable tips to maintain your dental implants.

• It is advisable to take it easy for a day or two. Jogging and vigorous activities should be avoided for a few days.

• You may experience some swelling after the procedure. Ice packs will keep swelling and/or bruising to a minimum.

• Have excellent oral hygiene. It is vital to ensure you clean around your implant thoroughly so it is kept free from plaque and food debris.

• Avoid habits that could damage your dental implants. Don’t chew on ice, hard candy or other hard substances as this could damage your implant crowns, or even your natural teeth.

• Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

• Do not smoke for 4 to 6 weeks after dental implants. It takes soft tissue about 4 weeks to heal completely.

If you want your recovery to be as smooth and pleasant as possible, it is vital to follow these instructions very carefully. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your progress, please do not hesitate to contact your dentist.