Dental implant surgery is a very safe procedure, but there are some risks. One of these risks is infection. Infection doesn't just cause discomfort, it can also prevent the implant from properly fusing with the bone, causing the implant to fail and requiring that the procedure to be repeated. You can avoid an infection. Here are just some of the methods you can use to help minimize your risk of contracting an infection after a dental implant procedure.
Rinse Regularly
Make it a point to rinse your mouth with salt water regularly. This is an especially important task in the first twenty-four hours after the implant surgery. After the procedure, the open wounds present an easy point of access for harmful bacteria. Bacteria that can set-in and cause a painful and dangerous infection.
Salt water rinses kill bacteria that is often naturally found in the mouth, lowering your risk. Salt water rinses can also speed up the rate at which your wound heals. To make a salt rinse, add a half teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Just because you had an implant procedure doesn't mean that you can slack on your oral hygiene regimen. Some people are under the impression that a false tooth doesn't require the same care as a natural tooth. However, it's important to understand that oral hygiene isn't just for your teeth; it's for your entire mouth.
Regular brushing removes bacteria from the mouth, automatically lowering your risk of infection. You also want to continue to floss in order to remove any hidden food particles that can also introduce bacteria in your mouth. When brushing, be gentle so that you don't aggravate any wounds.
Tobacco Cessation
If you're a smoker, it's important to kick the habit. Not just after you have the implant procedure, but also in the days leading up to it. When you place a cigarette in your mouth, you are introducing a number of additional bacteria into the mouth.
The fermentation process that occurs when cigarettes are being created introduces as many as a million different bacteria in each cigarette. This doesn't include the bacteria introduced to the cigarette from ashtrays and your fingers. Eliminating this extra bacteria in your mouth can help ward of infection.
To avoid an oral health concern after your implant surgery, make sure you are putting forth an effort to avoid infection. If you need additional assistance, a dental provider can assist you.
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