Dental implants are a great way to make you feel more confident about your smile if you’ve suffered tooth loss. However, to preserve your implants and keep them looking their best, you need to be conscientious about taking care of them. So if you’ve had dental implants in London, this guide will help keep your smile bright.
Care after dental surgery
After visiting our dentist in Moorgate for implant surgery, you may experience some discomfort and swelling. Intermittent use of ice packs and over the counter medication like ibuprofen will help you to manage any pain. You should also stick to softer foods and avoid hot drinks for 3-4 days after the procedure.
Caring for your implant
To care for your dental implant, you may need to make a few changes in your routine:
Clean gently twice a day
Stick to brushing twice daily but use a soft bristle brush that won’t scratch your implants. You’ll also want to avoid harsh and abrasive toothpaste or mouthwash, as these products can cause discomfort.
Flossing is your friend
Look out for implant specific or unwaxed floss and keep a pack in your car or handbag as well as your bathroom cabinet. You can floss just about anywhere, and it’s essential to reduce the plaque that can lead to oral hygiene issues.
Avoid damaging your implant
Crunchy foods, alcohol and smoking can all damage your new implants. The healing process can take up to 6 months, so avoid smoking and alcohol during this time as it slows the healing process. In terms of food, steer clear of crusty bread, caramel, crunchy fruit and vegetables and steak to keep your implants healthy.
Schedule regular dental appointments
To keep your smile looking beautiful and to protect your oral health, schedule regular appointments with your dentist in London. At Boston House Dental Clinic, we offer general and specialist dentistry, including dental implants in London, so contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Why are dental implants worth the investment?
Dental implants are more than just cosmetic – they offer a permanent solution to tooth loss that restores function and confidence. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the natural structure of your face. With proper care, implants can last for decades, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
Many patients come to our City of London dental clinic looking for implants that not only look natural but also allow them to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. At Boston House, we carefully plan every implant treatment to ensure optimal placement, healing, and aesthetics.
How long do dental implants last?
When looked after properly, dental implants can last 15 years or longer, many even last a lifetime. The key is consistent oral hygiene and regular professional care. Just like natural teeth, implants are vulnerable to plaque build-up and gum inflammation if neglected.
Conditions like peri-implantitis: an infection of the tissue around the implant, can develop if bacteria are allowed to thrive. That’s why flossing and brushing correctly are so important. Visiting your hygienist regularly is also crucial for cleaning those harder-to-reach areas around your implant.
What dental products are safe to use with implants?
If you’ve recently had dental implant treatment in London, it’s important to use the right products to avoid irritation or damage. Here are a few implant-friendly recommendations:
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Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush that is gentle on both your implant and your gums.
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Toothpaste: Avoid whitening pastes or those containing baking soda or activated charcoal, as they can be too abrasive.
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Floss: Try super floss or floss threaders designed for implants, or use interdental brushes for thorough cleaning between teeth.
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Mouthwash: Choose an alcohol-free option to avoid drying out the mouth and disrupting healing tissues.
Your dentist or hygienist can help recommend specific brands or products suited to your implant and oral health.
Tips for eating with implants
While dental implants eventually function just like natural teeth, it’s important to approach your diet carefully in the first few months. During the healing period, your bone is fusing with the implant in a process known as osseointegration. Disturbing this process with pressure from hard or sticky foods can lead to complications.
Recommended soft foods post-surgery include:
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Scrambled eggs
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Mashed potatoes
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Smoothies
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Yoghurt
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Pasta
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Cooked vegetables
After the initial healing, you can slowly reintroduce firmer foods, but it’s wise to avoid biting directly into very hard foods like nuts or raw carrots even once fully healed.
Can smoking affect dental implants?
Yes, smoking is one of the leading causes of implant failure. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the gums, slowing healing and making it easier for infections to develop. Smokers are also more likely to experience complications such as bone loss around the implant.
If you smoke and are considering dental implants in London, your dentist may recommend you quit smoking before and during the implant process. Our team at Boston House can offer advice and support if you’re working toward that goal.
What should I do if my implant feels loose or painful?
Dental implants should feel secure and comfortable. If you notice any movement, sensitivity, or soreness, it’s important to book an appointment right away. Pain could be a sign of gum infection, bone loss, or loosening of the implant.
Early intervention is crucial to prevent the need for implant removal or replacement. Our team at Boston House Dental Clinic in Moorgate is always available to support you, whether your implant was placed here or elsewhere.
Long-term maintenance of dental implants
Once healed, maintaining your implant should feel like looking after a natural tooth. Brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups remain the foundation of long-term success. It’s especially important to:
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Attend dental cleanings every 6 months (or more often if recommended)
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Let your dentist know if you notice bleeding or swelling around the implant
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Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bottles
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Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night
Our implant patients in East London benefit from our multidisciplinary approach, which means your care is supported by both general dentists and implant specialists working together under one roof.
Considering dental implants in the City of London?
At Boston House, we’re proud to offer high-quality implant dentistry in a calm and caring environment. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or need a full-mouth restoration, our team will work closely with you to restore your smile and confidence.
Our convenient location near Liverpool Street and Moorgate makes it easy for professionals in the City of London to access specialist dental care without disrupting their routine.
Book your implant consultation today
Ready to take the next step? Schedule an implant consultation with our experienced team by booking here. Call us on 02076284869 or email info@bhddc.com. We’ll be happy to talk you through the process, assess your suitability, and answer any questions you may have.
