Who doesn’t want to smile and eat their favorite food without any dental worry? But do you think it’s possible with missing teeth? No, right! Therefore, investing in a long-term replacement for missing teeth is important.
After your natural teeth, a dental implant is the best and most long-lasting option for a healthy smile. Just like it is important to take care of your natural teeth, you need to put extra effort into taking care of your dental implants to make them last longer. In this blog, we have provided 10 expert tips to maintain your dental implants to enhance your smile and dental health in the long run.
1) Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are necessary for implant maintenance. Your dentist will conduct routine cleanings to help prevent plaque buildup around your implants and identify any potential issues early. Regular visits also let your dentist monitor the health of your gums and neighboring tissues to reduce the risk of complications like peri-implantitis (infection of the gum tissues around the implant).
2) Brush Your Teeth Properly
Treat your implants like natural teeth. Brush them at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste. Ask your dentist for recommendations on the best toothpaste for implants to ensure you’re using a product that won’t harm your restorations or surrounding tissues.
3) Floss Twice Daily
Brushing alone will not help to maintain your implants; therefore, flossing needs to jump in. Make sure to floss around the implant area. You can opt for a water flosser for more effective results, especially for patients with the All-on-4® dental implant method.
4) Use an Antimicrobial Mouth Rinse
Mouth rinses with antimicrobial properties can help prevent the buildup of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause infections or peri-implantitis. Speak to your dentist about whether an antimicrobial mouthwash is recommended for your specific needs.
5) Abstain from Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of implant failure. It slows down the body’s healing process and compromises the integration of the implant with your jawbone. If you smoke, consider quitting to maximize the lifespan of your dental implants and ensure optimal recovery after surgery.
6) Be Careful with Your Diet
Dental implants allow you to enjoy most foods, but it’s important to make some careful choices. Avoid extremely hard foods (like raw vegetables) and sticky substances (like taffy or gum) that could damage the implant or the restoration. Also, allow hot beverages like coffee or tea to cool before drinking to prevent unnecessary stress on your implants.
7) Stop Chewing on Ice
Although it might seem harmless, chewing on ice or very hard foods can lead to cracks or damage to the replacement teeth. For the best results, refrain from chewing on anything that could put unnecessary pressure on your implants.
8) Be Alert for Signs of Trouble
Being cautious about any dental issues, including gum infection or loosening of the implants, is important. If you notice any such problems, contacting your dentist ASAP is recommended because early detection is key to saving your implants.
9) Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions
After your implant procedure, your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. These instructions are essential for proper healing and ensuring the long-term success of your dental implants. Adhering to these guidelines will help control complications and promote the successful integration of the implants.
10) Consult Your Dentist
Your dentist is the backbone of your oral health in maintaining your dental implants' health and longer life. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding implant care or if you notice anything unusual with your implants. If you want dental implants in Salisbury Park, we at Fly Dental are here to provide the best advice and effective treatment for your situation.