Learn How to Care for Dental Implants
Have you joined over 500,000 people this year who replaced their missing teeth with dental implants? That is great! You made an excellent decision for your oral health and your quality of life. With over a 95% success rate, you can enjoy a solution that can last for several decades with the right aftercare. To protect your investment, it is best to care for your new smile every day.
Call 903-663-0861 to schedule an appointment in our Longview, TX, office to discuss how you can care for your dental implants.
Make Oral Hygiene A Priority
Although dental implants are not subject to tooth decay, any remaining natural teeth can still develop cavities. The biggest threat to the longevity of your new smile involves a preventable infection that is like gum disease. To protect any remaining natural teeth and to lower your risk of infection, you need to keep your oral hygiene at the top of your priority list.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to clean your teeth and restorations at least twice per day. Clean all surfaces for at least 2 minutes each session.
- Floss between your natural teeth and around your abutments at least once a day to remove harmful food particles, plaque, and bacteria. You may find a water flosser to be easier to clean those hard-to-reach places.
- We may recommend the use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help fight harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Besides your home oral hygiene habits, take the time to protect your dental implants from damage due to trauma, injury, or strain. If you participate in sports, wear an athletic mouthguard. This helps to prevent the implant or restoration from breaking if there is trauma to your face or mouth.
If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth at night, a nightguard provides a protective barrier between the top and bottom teeth to reduce strain and pressure. This helps to reduce the risk of implant failure by keeping it securely fused to your jawbone.
Schedule Regular Recall Visits
In addition to your home care, you also need to see your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. During your appointments, we not only check the health of your teeth and gums but the stability and function of your dental implants as well. If a concerning issue is found, early detection and treatment allow us to quickly intervene to save your smile from implant failure.
If a problem arises between your semi-annual appointments, like pain, swelling, or feeling that the implant is loose, do not wait until your next visit. Contact our office right away for an appointment.
You can enjoy a beautiful, functional smile that can last for several decades with the right care. Our integrative dentistry practice makes it easy for you to experience a smile that keeps your health in amazing shape while restoring your looks. If you have any questions about caring for your dental implants, do not hesitate to contact our office.
