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Bad Habits to Break After Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are a life-saver for people suffering from missing or damaged teeth. Chewing, eating, and smiling without difficulty become possible again. However, if you want your implants to last a lifetime, it’s crucial to develop good oral and lifestyle habits.

If you don’t know where to start, it’s best to consult your dentist on what to do after a dental implant surgery. For the time being, here are some tips on how you can extend the lifespan of your dental implants:

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

After your surgery, it will take an average of six months for your jaw to heal completely. During this period, osseointegration, the process where your jaw bone fuses with the dental implants, takes place. It is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol during this time as it can affect the healing process, and potentially lead to implant failure.

Once the surgical site has fully healed, you can resume drinking alcohol but in moderation. Keep in mind that excess consumption can cause dry mouth that may result in gum disease and implant failure.

Avoid Cigarette and Tobacco Use

Whether through smoking or chewing, tobacco use can stain your natural and artificial teeth. Understandably, quitting can take time especially for long-time smokers. Don’t rush the process, and take it one day at a time. Try to build habits that can distract you from your cravings—for instance using over-the-counter nicotine patches or engaging in physical activities.

Stick to a Soft Food Diet

Sticky foods can displace dental implants. With that in mind, try sticking to a soft food diet especially during the recovery period. Some foods you can enjoy include scrambled eggs, yogurt, mac and cheese, and oatmeal.

Ensure Regular Brushing and Flossing

Dental implants should receive the same level of care as natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day. This can avoid plaque buildup which results in bad breath and gum disease.

Wear a Mouthguard When Needed

Wearing a mouthguard adds an extra layer of protection to your dental implants. This is especially true if you are prone to teeth grinding at night. The same goes when your playing contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can prevent your implants from getting displaced or damaged.

Say Goodbye to Missing or Damaged Teeth!

At Exceptional Dental of LA, we customize treatment plans based on our patient’s specific needs. Schedule an appointment now to see if you qualify for dental implants. From the initial assessment to the surgery date, we’ll ensure that you are in good hands. We’ll also guide and orient you on what to do after the dental implant surgery. Reach out to us today to get started!

The Dos and Don’ts of Dental Implant Surgery Recovery

What you do after a dental implant surgery can greatly affect the success rate of your operation. So, be sure to follow aftercare instructions from your dental specialist to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. In the meantime, here are some dos and don’ts you need to know after the operation.

What to Do

  • Get Enough Rest

Resting up can assist in your body’s ability to heal. So, after your surgery, clear up your schedule, and take as much rest as you can. When lying down, keep your head elevated to ensure that blood is circulating properly. This will help prevent painful swelling and excessive bleeding.

  • Take Medications and Ice Up

The anesthesia from the surgery will eventually wear off, and pain will start to creep in. Taking your medication as prescribed by the doctor will manage this and other post-op symptoms. If your face is swelling, place an ice pack over the area for about 30 minutes at a time in the next 18 hours after your surgery.

  • Eat Meals with Precaution

After your operation, your doctor will place you on a liquid and soft foods diet. Your teeth and jaw will be very sensitive, so you should avoid chewing near the surgical site. Also, try to stick to nutritious and hearty meals like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and cold soups.

What Not to Do

  • Strenuous Activities

Too much strain on the operated area can lead to swelling and excessive bleeding. For this reason, you should hold off on doing strenuous activities like running, at least for the first few days after the surgery.

  • Consuming Hot Foods and Drinks

In the first 24-48 hours after your surgery, avoid eating or drinking anything hot. Bleeding might still be present during this time, and consuming hot food and drinks worsens it.

  • Smoking

Poor lifestyle habits like smoking can affect your recovery time. Cigarette smoke can damage the oral tissues and salivary glands causing mouth dryness. This may result in tooth decay and gum disease that can weaken the bones and gums supporting your dental implants.

Your Teeth are in Good Hands!

At Exceptional Dental of LA, we’ll ensure you get a safe dental implant surgery recovery. We’ll monitor your progress, schedule follow-up check-ups, and provide you with dental implant post-op instructions. Call us today or visit our nearest location to find out if you qualify for the treatment!

Cantilever Tooth Bridge: Is it the Right Option for You?

While a traditional dental bridge can help restore the look and functions of natural teeth, not everyone qualifies for it. Thankfully, there are other options to replace missing teeth.

If you only have a single healthy tooth that can support prosthetic teeth, a cantilever tooth bridge might be a more suitable option for you. Be sure to consult a dentist to find out if you qualify for one. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about the treatment.

What is a Cantilever Dental Bridge?

A cantilever bridge is a tooth replacement that can be made from porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). It consists of artificial teeth or pontics and a dental crown. Like other tooth bridges, it helps improve a person’s ability to bite, chew, and speak.

How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate?

Prior to the procedure, dentists will examine the structural integrity of the adjacent teeth. They’ll also check for any signs of decay or other issues that may affect the procedure. This step is crucial to ensure that the surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support the pontics in place.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

Before the treatment, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. And then, the adjacent tooth will be shaped to make sure the prosthetic teeth fit perfectly. This is done by removing a small portion of the enamel (the tooth’s thin outer layer).

After that, your doctor will take impressions of your teeth and identify a suitable shade for the pontic. The results and the data collected will then be sent to a local laboratory where the artificial teeth will be created. Dental clinics that have the proper equipment may also do this in-house. While waiting for the cantilever bridge to be crafted, a temporary replacement will be given by your doctor to protect against sensitivity.

Once the dental bridge is ready, your dentist will check if it needs to be modified. If not, your dentist will proceed to attach the pontics to the adjacent tooth using dental cement before finally polishing your teeth.

Leave Your Teeth in Great Hands!

At Exceptional Dental of LA, you can expect top-notch services from our dental team. We’ll assess your condition and explore different restorative treatments until we find the right fit for you. We offer a wide range of teeth replacement options like bridges, crowns, and dentures. If you have questions or concerns regarding our services, please reach out to us today!

3 Different Types of Dental Bridges You Can Explore

Having one or more missing teeth can make chewing food and speaking increasingly difficult. The lack of tooth structure also impacts your facial features, as it leaves the mouth and cheek area looking deflated. In some individuals, that can cause a lack of confidence.

If missing teeth is causing you any of these problems, you can opt for a teeth replacement like a dental bridge. Just consult your dentist to find out if you qualify for the procedure. To give you an idea, we’ve listed a few types of dental bridges you can explore.

Traditional Fixed Bridge

Fixed bridges are one of the most popular types of dental bridges. They are typically made from ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal and are recommended for patients with healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The natural teeth will help support the dental bridges in place. During the procedure, your dentist will reshape the surrounding teeth to ensure the bridge fits perfectly.

Cantilever Dental Bridge

Unlike traditional fixed bridges, this type only uses one healthy tooth for support. It is not recommended for patients who need replacement near the back of the mouth as chewing can put too much strain on a single tooth. The adjacent tooth will undergo reshaping to ensure that the cantilever bridge is properly supported. This type of restorative dental fixture can be made from various materials like zirconia, all-metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Maryland Dental Bridge

Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges are for patients with missing teeth in the front of their mouth. They are typically made of different materials like porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal. A porcelain or metal band is used to attach the dental fixture to the backs of the adjacent teeth.

Restore the Beauty and Function of Your Teeth Today!

At Exceptional Dental of LA, we offer quality dental bridges that will serve you for years to come. We will help you find one that best fits your case and walk you through the entire process. Aside from dental bridges, we also offer other tooth replacement options like crowns and dentures. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

Things to Keep in Mind After a Dental Implant Surgery

The hours and days after a tooth implant surgery are extremely crucial. What happens to you during this time can significantly affect your healing process. And to help ensure you won’t develop complications, you will be closely monitored by your dentist. If it’s your first time undergoing a tooth implant process, here are some things you need to keep in mind after the procedure:

Driving 

The anesthesia used during surgery can take one to three hours to wear off. During this period, you may feel disoriented, groggy, and possibly experience blurry vision. So, driving within 24 hours post-treatment is highly discouraged. See to it that someone takes you home after the procedure. 

Food and Drink Intake  

In the first six hours after the surgery, you will be limited to a diet that requires minimal to no chewing. This includes smoothies, cold soup, mashed potatoes, and so on. After that period, you can move on to soft solids like pasta, cooked vegetables, pancakes, and eggs.

Be sure to stay clear of hot food and liquids as they can irritate the incision site. Using a straw is also not advisable because it creates a suction in the mouth that may cause bleeding in the implant area. 

Post-Surgery Discomfort and Pain

Pain or discomfort is common after the surgery and will gradually subside in a few days. If it becomes unbearable, our doctors may prescribe over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Swelling of the face might also be noticeable a few days after the procedure. It can be reduced by applying an ice pack over the affected area. 

Oral Hygiene and Aftercare 

You can brush your teeth 24 hours after the surgery. A mouth rinse with a ¼ teaspoon to 1 glass of water ratio is also advisable to avoid infections.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today!

At Exceptional Dental of LA, we offer long-lasting and natural-looking dental implants that will help you restore confidence in your smile. Our doctors will walk you through the tooth implant process and answer any questions you might have. Schedule an appointment now to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.

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