Taking Care of Your Dental Implants Dental implants are the ideal restoration procedure that can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile in case of lost or broken teeth. If they are properly cared for, implants can last for years and maybe even a lifetime. Taking proper care of your dental implants is critical for maintaining good oral health and ensures the success of your implant placement. In many ways, caring for your implants is much like caring for your natural teeth. An important thing to note is that an implant consists of three main parts: the implant, abutment, and artificial tooth. So, when cleaning an implant, it is critical to not use tools that can damage any of these parts. Signs that You Aren’t Caring for Your ImplantsIf you don’t care for your implants, just like with unclean natural teeth, bacteria will accumulate near the gum area and cause all types of problems. Bleeding is one of the first indicators of dental implant trouble due to improper cleaning. The bleeding of your gums around your implant is known as mucositis. Even though it can be treated if caught early, it can cause bone loss if it isn’t. Once this occurs, you have to get your implant removed. Caring for ImplantsThere are a few tips you can follow to prevent any complications with your implants. Here is how to care for implants. Brush RegularlyJust like your natural teeth, implants need to be brushed regularly using a soft bristled toothbrush or an electric brush. You should avoid brushing your implants too hard to avoid damage. Use a slow and gentle brushing technique, and make sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes. When it comes to toothpaste, a low-abrasive tartar-control toothpaste is a must. Keep FlossingAlong with brushing, flossing makes up an integral part of your dental hygiene routine. Whether you have implants or not, flossing is extremely important to get out food remnants stuck between your teeth and gums. Since implants can be a little more sensitive than your natural teeth, there is a special technique that teaches you how to floss around implants. Rinse Your MouthOnce you’re done flossing, make sure to rinse your mouth to get rid of all leftover food particles and bacteria. An antimicrobial mouth rinse will do the trick. Use an IrrigatorAn irrigator is a great addition to your home. It helps shower your teeth, implants, and crowns, reducing the overall bacterial population in areas where your floss and brush can’t reach. Eat CarefullyEven though dental implants help restore the functionality of your teeth, including your biting and chewing ability, it is best to be extra careful when eating hard or chewy foods. During the initial period of recovery after your implant placement, make sure to stick with soft foods. Dental implants aren’t too difficult to care for. You need to remember to treat them like your natural teeth by providing them with a daily dose of cleaning with safe products. If you want to get dental implants or learn about how to care for them, visit Dallas Oral Surgery Associates now or call us at 972-733-0414. |
