A dental implant can effectively replace the root of a tooth that has been lost due to gum disease, decay, or a blow to the mouth. The implant is drilled through the gums into the bone of the jaw. Once the implant has been surgically positioned, the wound created by the procedure begins to heal. 

Your jawbone responds to the trauma of the implant's placement by generating more bone cells. The cells close the gap between the implant and the bone, sealing the device firmly into position. 

The process that occurs as the jawbone and the implant integrate is known as osseointegration. Once the implant has healed into position, it can withstand the force necessary to bite and chew normal foods.

Following the completion of osseointegration, the implant can be covered by a dental crown that is connected to the device by an abutment. Here are a few measures that you can take before and after the installation of a dental implant to ensure that the implant-based restoration is successful.

Keep Your Mouth Clean

Before your dental implant procedure, it is important to keep your gums as healthy as possible. Good gum health is dependent on the cleanliness of the mouth. Gums become inflamed when there are large amounts of bacteria in the oral cavity. The bacteria produce acid that causes the gum tissue to become inflamed. The inflammation incites gum disease.

Gingival tissues that are unhealthy may not heal properly at the implantation site. Additionally, gums that suffer from periodontal disease may allow bacteria to enter the implant wound and infect the soft tissues and the bone. 

To keep your mouth as clean as possible, it is important to brush and floss regularly. The remaining teeth in the mouth should be brushed at least twice daily and flossed once per day. Also, an antimicrobial mouth rinse can be used to minimize bacterial numbers. 

The same measures should be taken following the implant procedure to help ensure that a gum infection does not develop after the procedure.

Stop Using Tobacco Products

If you smoke or chew tobacco, it is important to stop prior to the placement of the dental implant. Smoking can inflame the soft tissues of the mouth and prevent them from healing properly. Additionally, the practice can lessen the amount of oxygen present in the blood. Thus, the amount of oxygen received by the implant wound may also be restricted.  

If you need assistance to wean yourself from tobacco products prior to receiving a dental implant or have questions about dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area. To learn more, contact a dental office like Orange Door Dental Group.