Dental implants are a fantastic solution for people who are missing teeth or need to replace damaged or deteriorating ones. But getting dental implants is only half the journey; the other half is taking good care of them. Like natural teeth, dental implants require proper hygiene and maintenance to stay healthy and last a lifetime. Check out this list of expert tips from Dr. SIlegy about proper dental implants care.
What Are Dental Implants?
First, let’s define what dental implants are. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the root of the artificial tooth. Once the implant is secure, a connector is attached to the post to hold the replacement tooth, bridge, or denture. Single teeth implants replace one tooth at a time while “All-on-4” implants allow for the replacement of multiple teeth by affixing several prosthetics to four titanium implants.
Dental implants feel, look, and function like natural teeth. Over time, the implant will fuse with the jawbone, preserving the bone and offering stability to the entire dental arch while restoring lost oral function like chewing, or enunciating clearly.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
The advantages of dental implants over other dental restorations are numerous. Dental implants are the closest option to your natural teeth, as they are anchored into your jawbone. They are designed to be permanent, durable, and resilient. Also, dental implants allow you to smile, talk, and eat without feeling self-conscious or discomfort. They also improve your oral health by preventing bone loss and gum recession, ensuring that your teeth stay firmly in place.
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene for Teeth Implants
Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining your dental implants’ health and lifespan. You need always to remember that dental implants are not entirely resilient to damage or infection. Like natural teeth, the implants are connected to surrounding gum tissue and bone, and poor oral hygiene can lead to infection and eventually, implant loss. A good oral hygiene routine is the most important aspect of caring for dental implants and protecting your investment.
Tips to Care for a Dental Implant
Here are some tips on dental implants care from Dr. Silegy’s center for dental implants:
Brush And Floss Daily
Dental implants care requires daily brushing and flossing just like your natural teeth. Use a small brush to clean all surfaces, and pay special attention to the gum line. There are special floss threaders available that allow you to clean implant spaces below the gum line if necessary, which your dental surgeon will teach you how to use. It’s generally recommended to brush twice a day and floss daily.
Avoid Abrasive Products
While brushing your implants, make sure you use non-abrasive toothpaste. Abrasive toothpaste can scratch or damage the implant surface or the surrounding teeth and cause implant failure.
Rinse Your Teeth
Rinsing your teeth with mouthwash or warm salt water will help clear bacteria from your mouth and prevent gum disease. Your dentist may also recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can increase your risk of infections, leading to implant failure. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Seek Routine Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are essential for dental implants care. Your dentist will examine your implants and surrounding teeth, clean them properly, and identify any potential issues before they develop into more significant problems.
Caring for dental implants is not complicated. It merely requires the same daily oral hygiene you would use for natural teeth-like flossing, brushing, mouthwash, regular dental check-ups, avoiding abrasive products, and limiting your alcohol intake. Regular maintenance and routine check-ups can help ensure the longevity of your dental implants and preserve your oral health. If you have questions about dental implants care, need more advice, or are ready to start your dental implants journey, call Dr. Silegy—the best all-on-4 dentist in Long Beach! With hundreds of successful full-arch restorations, Dr. SIlegy and his team are ready to get you the smile of your dreams. Call today!
