How to Care For Your Dental Implants
Dental treatments can be costly, invasive and time-consuming. Therefore, you must properly care for your mouth and the treated area. Doing so will ensure you recover fast and properly, and the restorations last a long time. Continue reading to learn appropriate implant care after getting dental implants near you.
What Are Dental Implants?
They are devices surgically fixed on the jaws to help replace missing teeth. Dental implants consist of a small titanium post, an abutment and artificial teeth. The dentist in Gilbert will implant the bar in the jaw during the dental implant procedure. Next, they will attach the abutment, which helps to connect the metal post with the fake teeth.
The artificial teeth attached to the implant are custom-made. Therefore, it will resemble the surrounding teeth in color, shape and size for a natural appearance. Dental implants mimic the natural teeth in structure. As a result, they restore dental functions like eating and speaking. Implants also improve your smile and correct facial sagging.
Dental Implant Care
Dental implants are easy to care for because they look like real teeth. Proper implant care can prevent inflammation, pain and receding gums. It can also prevent diseases like mucositis and peri-implantitis. Also, appropriate care can extend the longevity of your restorations.
Below are some tips to help you care for your tooth implants.
- Use a soft-bristled Tooth Brush
Once you get new implants, the dentist will recommend switching toothbrushes. They will ask you to replace your hard-bristled toothbrush as it may damage the implants. Instead, use a soft-bristled or nylon toothbrush that is pliable and gentle on your restorations. It will also protect your gums from irritability or recession.
- Floss daily
Flossing removes food particles that accumulate around your implants. It, therefore, prevents the formation of plaque, which can cause gum infections impacting the implant. So if you want your implants to last a long time, you should floss once daily.
Set a reminder to floss or keep your flossing thread nearby and take advantage of any downtime to floss. You can use a Waterpik for easier and fast flossing around the abutments.
- Use the right toothpaste
Although implants by the dentist in Gilbert resemble natural teeth, they are not as resilient. The crown or artificial teeth attached to your implants is susceptible to abrasion. So, you should use a non-abrasive or low-abrasive brand of toothpaste to clean them. Ensure that the toothpaste helps to control plaque and tartar.
- Eat the right foods
What you eat can help your implants to stay healthy or damage them, causing their removal. Therefore, you should avoid foods that can harm them or cause implant failure. These include hard and sticky foods like ice, hard candies, caramel, steak, carrots, and hard-shell tacos. Also, avoid hot foods or drinks during recovery.
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products
Tobacco affects oral health negatively. It impacts the recovery process after the dental implant procedure. They inhibit healing and contribute to gum disease. Tobacco also leads to teeth staining, affecting your new smile. So, quit smoking and using products that contain tobacco right away.
- Avoid alcohol
Taking alcoholic beverages slows down the recovery process after getting implants. The sugars in these drinks promote plaque formation, which leads to implant failure. That is why dentists recommend abstaining from alcohol for six months following the implant procedure. After this period, you must take alcohol in moderation.
- Use a mouthguard for bruxism
People who grind or clench their teeth risk damaging their implants and a prolonged recovery. They add pressure to the implant when they clench or grind their teeth. So, notify your dentist beforehand if you suffer from bruxism. They will customize anti-grinding mouthguards to safeguard your implants and dental health.
- Visit the dentist often
Your dentist will schedule follow-up visits during your recovery after getting dental implants. Attend the sessions without fail to ensure a fast and successful recovery. Continue attending regular dental checkups and cleanings. The dentist will help to prevent gum disease that can impact the implants.
They will also ensure your artificial teeth remain in excellent condition. In addition, they will repair or replace old, damaged or worn crowns, bridges or dentures. Doing so will improve dental function and your smile’s aesthetics. Schedule an appointment at Smiles of Gilbert to get dental implants or maintain your current implants.