Dental implants are often considered an effective long-term solution for replacing failing or missing teeth. Their anchors are typically made of titanium, which is compatible with bone tissue. This means they can integrate into the jawbone over time, becoming part of the body without affecting surrounding structures or causing any discomfort.
However, dental implants can become infected or damaged if not correctly cared for, just like regular teeth! That’s why it’s essential to follow the best post-dental-implant care routine to increase their longevity. Continue reading to learn more about how to take care of your dental implants so they last longer.
Dental Implants
A dental implant procedure replaces a missing tooth with an artificial one. The gap left by tooth loss is filled by implanting a screw-like titanium device in the position of your tooth root. The titanium is connected to the crown by an abutment. Dental implants can also be placed to secure a partial or complete denture.
Unlike removable dentures, a dental implant is a permanent dental surgery. They provide a firm structure to better eat and talk with. Additionally, you will feel comfortable in public places because they are less noticeable. Dental implants are brushed like regular teeth and do not need replacing as often.
When Do I Need Dental Implants?
A dental implant is all-important when you have tooth loss. When you don’t treat the gaps left by the extracted teeth, you might suffer more tooth loss because your jawbone structure tends to be loose. Getting a dental implant helps hold together your bone structure and protects other teeth from falling out. They also allow you to eat healthily and offer you more confidence in your smile.
10 Tips to Take Care of Dental Implants
After undergoing a dental implant, you should always maintain proper oral hygiene to make them durable. Here are ten essential dental implant care tips to keep you going.
1. Brush Daily
Brush your teeth at least twice a day to maintain healthy oral hygiene. When you brush your teeth regularly, it removes bacteria that would otherwise cause damage to other teeth. While your implants do not suffer decay like natural teeth, they are just as susceptible to gum disease.
2. Floss Regularly
There are some sections in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach. That is why it’s essential to consider flossing to ensure you remove all food plaque from your teeth. It’s important to floss gently to avoid damaging the implanted teeth. You should follow your dentist’s advice on the recommended floss for your teeth.
3. Regular Dental Care
You can’t achieve proper dental implant care without your dentist’s involvement. Without regular dental checkups, you risk developing oral diseases. For this reason, you should ensure your dentist examines your dental implant frequently.
4. Avoid Hard Foods
Eating hard food can harm new dental implants because they are not well fitted to your jawbones and gums. The implanted teeth might shift when you chew hard food, causing pain and swelling. Avoid hard food such as carrots and nuts to safeguard your dental implant.
5. Avoid Abrasive Toothpaste
Use low-abrasive toothpaste or mouthwash to avoid the irritation it will cause on your implanted teeth. The ingredients used in abrasive toothpaste, such as Triclosan, baking soda, and stain removers, are acidic to your mouth. Excessively abrasive toothpaste can create acrylic wear and remove the glaze on porcelain.
6. Use an Oral Irrigator Gently
You will highly improve your dental cleanliness by use of an oral irrigator. An oral irrigator will wash out any food particles on your implanted teeth to keep them clean. However, it would be best to use low pressure to avoid pain when cleaning the dental implant.
7. Change Your Toothbrush
It is recommended that you get a new toothbrush every three to four months to clean your teeth better. A new toothbrush will effectively wipe out the hidden food plaque, unlike the one used over a long period.
8. Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Nicotine and the ingredients used in alcohol can severely affect your dental hygiene. When your dental hygiene is poor, it slows down the healing process of your dental implant.
9. Follow the Aftercare Instructions
You should note and follow your dentist’s instructions for post-dental-implant care. This practice will see you through the healing process and make your implants last longer.
10. Avoid Damaging Habits
You should avoid behaviours such as biting your nails because it might harm your implanted teeth. These behaviours may lead to injuries or even force you to undergo implant surgery again.
Importance of Post-Dental-Implant Care
Post-dental-implant care will provide the opportunity for you to maintain a healthy dental lifestyle after the implant surgery. You will also achieve faster healing. And remember — prevention is always better than cure! So start taking good care of your dental implant today and keep it healthy for years to come!
Summary
Dental implant surgery is costly and does not suddenly fix all your dental problems. You should follow the post-dental-care procedures laid out by your dentist to ensure your implanted teeth are safe.
Despite personal dental implant care playing an essential role in safeguarding your implanted teeth, you should always see your dentist at least twice a year. A regular dental checkup will help you understand how to maintain your dental implant best and make it last longer. At first, the dentist may advise you to see them more regularly to ensure the implant is firmly in place and not causing any issues.
If you or a loved one is suffering from tooth loss, Boon Dental can help restore your beautiful smile. Click here to book a free consultation and find out if you are a good candidate for a dental implant.