Do you suffer from functional, structural, and aesthetic problems in the wake of tooth loss? Your dentist can provide a comprehensive replacement for missing teeth with dental implants. These fixtures use a surgically placed anchor in the jaw to support dental prosthetics.
You can look forward to the beautiful and durable restoration of your smile with implants. Many people appreciate that you do not need to complete extra maintenance with implants, unlike some removable treatments.
But you still need to take care of your oral health in order for implants to work as well as possible.
Implants may remain in place in your smile for twenty years or longer with appropriate dental attention. Read on to find advice from your dentist about caring for your dental implants to maximize their restorative benefits.
Continue Good Oral Hygiene
Dental implants do not require their own separate cleaning regimen from the rest of your smile. But you must still take care of them just like you would your natural teeth. Implants will collect plaque and other residues throughout the day.
If they remain on your smile, they can spread bacteria which will put you in danger of tooth decay in your remaining teeth as well as gum disease. This infection of the gum tissue can cause swelling as well as recession in your gums. If this happens, the fit of your implants can become less secure.
Wobbling and ill-fitting implants could feel uncomfortable, but they also may increase your risk of infection. Brush your teeth at least twice each day and floss daily to ensure you get your smile and your implants properly clean. Good oral hygiene also includes visiting your dentist for professional teeth cleanings, so do not skip these appointments.
Use Proper Hygienic Supplies
To complete your oral hygiene routine, you know that you need a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. But you might not realize that you should be careful about the type of hygienic tools you use in this process, especially when you have dental implants.
Make sure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush for your routine so that you do not scratch your dental implants. Not only could this disrupt the appearance of your prosthetic teeth, but it can make your implants susceptible to infections.
Traditional string floss is an effective way to clean between your teeth and implants. But you might benefit from a water flosser, a device that generates a stream of water and cleans between the teeth when aimed there. This can make it easier to navigate around oral appliances, and it can therefore give you a more thorough cleaning.
Avoid Harmful Oral Habits
To preserve your dental implants, you should pay attention to your oral habits. This means stopping nail-biting and teeth-grinding which can put excess pressure on your implants. These behaviors could damage dental prosthetics.
You should also stop smoking because toxins in tobacco could irritate the gums. Inflammation may hurt the fit of your implants, and you could face a risk of implant failure. Call your dentist to learn more tips to maximize the longevity of your implants.