Dental Implant Care
If you suffer from tooth loss due to disease, trauma, or decay, a dental implant is a wonderful solution. Dental implants are long-lasting, and when cared for properly, they can stay in place for life.
However, failure to care for them consistently can lead to many oral health problems. By following some helpful tips, you can enjoy all of the benefits of dental implants well into the future.
Make Brushing and Flossing a Priority
If you have dental implants, there is a good chance that oral hygiene hasn’t always been a major priority in your life. It is time to make a change. You need to commit to brushing your teeth twice daily and to flossing at least once each day. Pay close attention to each side of the implant while caring for your teeth. Tartar control toothpaste can also help to keep plaque from building up on the implant itself and along the gum line.
Upgrade Your Dental Hygiene Arsenal
To practice good oral hygiene, you’ll need to have the right tools. A standard toothbrush and roll of floss are essential, but many dental implant recipients upgrade to an electric toothbrush. Adding an anticavity mouth rinse into your oral hygiene routine can also help to keep the mouth clean, washing away debris that gets stuck between the implant and your natural teeth.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is bad news when it comes to your oral health, especially after dental implant surgery. Smoking delays the healing process while increasing bleeding, and it can also weaken the vital jaw bone structure. If you want your jaw bone and gums to stay healthy enough to support your dental implants, it is important that you quit smoking.
Watch What You Eat
Dental implants are sturdy and durable, but there are still a few dietary precautions you should consider while eating. Especially hard foods may cause the prosthetic tooth to break, and the remaining natural teeth could also suffer damage. Sticky foods might also compromise the integrity of the implant, so avoid items like caramels, dried fruit, and taffy.
Restrict Your Sugar Intake
Whether you satisfy your sweet tooth with a soda, fancy coffee beverage, or donut, you need to consider how your dental implant might be affected. While the implant itself isn’t subject to decay, sugar is still a major culprit when it comes to plaque buildup. Plaque can lead to gum disease, which can ultimately affect the tissues that support your implant.
Learn to Recognize Dental Implant Problems
Pay close attention to your dental implant, including how it looks and feels. Talk to your dentist about the signs of a problem, including some of the most common:
- Packed or accumulated food
- Trouble chewing
- Pain when biting
- Wobbly or loose implants
- Redness or swelling around the implant location
If you notice any of these signs, contact your dentist right away. These conditions may signal an infection within your dental implant.
Keep Up with Your Regular Dental Appointments
The presence of false teeth doesn’t mean you no longer need to visit your dentist. In fact, it is more important than ever to see your dentist regularly after you have dental implants put into place. Your dentist will inspect your implant as well as the health of your gums, surrounding teeth, and jawbone. These exams ensure your mouth is able to support the restoration. Additionally, regular dental cleanings will clean away tartar and plaque that accumulate on the appliance, reducing your risk of gum disease, decay, and other oral health concerns.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss, but they need to be cared for properly. By following these steps, you can enjoy a healthy dental restoration and beautiful smile for years to come.
Schedule Your Appointment
Do you have dental implants? Contact Suburban Essex Dental to make sure you are caring for them properly. We can help you with the prevention of future problems as well. We are located in West Orange, NJ, Suburban Essex County. We have been rated “Top Dentist” in the New Jersey Monthly for the past 7 years and are still going strong. Contact Us to schedule your appointment today.
