When patients in the Pensacola, Florida, area face tooth loss, several solutions are available at their local dental office. At Gomez Family Dentistry, Drs. Christopher and Gina Bertuglia Gomez are here to assist by placing and restoring dental implants. Dental implants are a very popular choice for many reasons, and our experienced team can help you decide if they are right for you. They are a smart selection due to their longevity, but this only matters if patients take proper care of their oral health after the placement of their implants. Below are several recommendations and tips for caring for the implant after oral surgery.
Our team often makes seven aftercare recommendations following the placement of dental implants.
After undergoing the placement of dental implants, it is critical that you closely follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure both successful healing and long-term success of your new teeth. Here are seven recommendations to keep in mind:
Take prescribed medication. Following the procedure, Drs. Christopher and Gina Bertuglia Gomez will likely prescribe antibiotics and painkillers. Take these medications as directed to prevent infection and manage discomfort.
Avoid strenuous activity. For the first few days after your implant surgery, it is best to avoid any physically demanding activities that could put pressure on the surgical site. This includes heavy lifting, intense exercise, and even bending over or straining too hard when using the bathroom.
Stick to a soft food diet. Your mouth will likely be sore and sensitive after the implant placement, which is normal. However, our team at Gomez Family Dentistry recommends avoiding chewing on hard or crunchy foods. For the first week or two, stick to a softer food diet, including yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
Maintain good oral hygiene. While your implant site is healing, your mouth must stay clean to prevent infection. After meals, rinse your mouth with salt water and gently brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Attend follow-up appointments afterward. It is essential to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with Drs. Christopher and Gina Bertuglia Gomez. This allows the team to monitor your healing progress and address any potential issues that impact the function of your implants.
Avoid smoking and alcohol. Both smoking and consuming alcohol slow down the healing process and increase the potential of complications after dental implant surgery. It is best to avoid these habits during the initial healing period.
Protect your implants. Once your implants have fully healed, protecting them by practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups is essential. This ensures the longevity of your dental implants and maintains the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
Are you ready to take the first step in getting dental implants to replace missing teeth?
If you have further questions about implants and aftercare steps, we invite you to call Gomez Family Dentistry to request an upcoming consultation appointment at our clinic, conveniently located at 2915 E Cervantes Street. Call (850) 429-4664 today to schedule a visit. Our practice serves patients in Pensacola, Florida, and beyond.
Studied Chemistry at Florida International University. After college, he received a US Air Force Health Professions Scholarship and graduated at the top of his class from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 2012. Then, he completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program at Keesler Air Force Base (Biloxi, Mississippi) and was stationed at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, where he served the rest of his term as a Captain. Dr. Christopher completed a year-long Comprehensive Implant Residency Program in Bessemer, Alabama, which gave him specialized knowledge on dental implants. He is currently in a 2-year orthodontic program learning to do conventional orthodontics and clear aligners.
Studied Psychology and Spanish Studies at the University of Delaware before attending the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where she met Dr. Christopher Gomez. Upon graduation from dental school, she completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Stonybrook University, NY. She has spent the last ten years in private practice in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Gina always keeps the patientsโ best interests at heart and treats them the same way she would treat her family.