Before getting dental implants, your dentist will assess your mouth through examination and scans to plan implant placement. After the procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Just like natural teeth, regular care and hygiene are essential to avoid complications. 

You will need to visit the Dental Implant Center at West Knoxville regularly. Dental implants can last for many years with proper care and a healthy jawbone. Suppose you are living in West Knoxville and want West Knoxville, TN dental implants. Your dentist will give you post-treatment care instructions to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants. 

Following these guidelines is crucial for maintaining oral health and implant effectiveness. 

• Avoid hot food and drink.

Following your dental implant procedure, immediate aftercare is crucial. 

• Avoid hot foods and drinks to prevent stress on the healing mouth tissue. 
• Do not touch the implant site with your tongue or fingers. Refrain from solid foods until the local anesthesia wears off. 
• Sipping cold water can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the initial 24-48 hours while minimizing disruption to the surgical area.

• Use painkillers as some mild discomfort is expected.

Swelling after a dental implant procedure is normal and peaks around the third day. To manage pain and swelling, use ice packs and take prescribed painkillers, like paracetamol with codeine and Nurofen before the numbness worsens. Consult your specialist if needed.

• Wash your mouth using warm saltwater.

Maintaining oral hygiene after a dental implant procedure is crucial. Creating a basic antiseptic mouthwash with warm water and salt helps reduce bacterial activity around the surgical site. Gently hold the saline solution over the implant to avoid any discomfort.

• Importance of brushing your teeth.

Before your dental implant procedure, practice prudent brushing. After the procedure, use a small-headed toothbrush with soft, flexible bristles for the sensitive implant area. 

Continue brushing around the remaining teeth as usual, starting on the same night. Wait a few days before brushing and flossing around the implant, and consult your specialist for specific guidance.

• Solid foods can be taken once you are comfortable.

Avoid solid foods during the early recovery period after a dental implant procedure. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as swelling and discomfort subside. 

After meals, maintain strict mouth cleaning to prevent food particle-related complications for the new implant during healing. Use mouthwash for thorough cleaning.

Your dentist will also offer advice you must follow and report to him if you ever feel discomfort.