Implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and avoid the negative effects of tooth loss. With proper care, your dental implants can last for decades. However, there are several factors that may impact their lifespan. Dental implant maintenance is essential for continued success with this type of restoration. In addition to regular cleanings and checkups, there are some practices you should keep in mind if you have an implant. Implant maintenance begins before the procedure takes place. It’s important to find a skilled surgeon who will take the time to understand your unique needs and explain the risks and benefits of different procedures. Ask about how the surgery will be performed, what materials will be used, and how often you should return for follow-up care!
Schedule pro-quality cleanings
When you have an implant, you will need both regular cleanings and dental exams. Your dentist will advise you on the specific cleaning frequency, but most people with dental implants will need cleanings every 6 months. During your cleaning, your dentist will be able to monitor the health of your implant and make any changes or adjustments that may be necessary.
If you have gum disease, dental implants will not be able to heal properly. Gum health is essential to implant success, so it is critical to keep your gums healthy. Brush and floss at least twice a day and visit your dentist at least once every 6 months for a professional cleaning
Monitor and rotate implant materials
Implants are usually made of titanium, ceramic, or some combination of these materials. Titanium is the most common implant material and is biocompatible, which means it’s unlikely to cause an immune response in the body. However, it is porous and can trap bacteria. That’s why you need to monitor the materials used in your implant and rotate them every several years as part of your implant maintenance.
If you have a ceramic implant, it is possible that the body may reject the implant because ceramic is not biocompatible. Fortunately, there are ceramic-mechanical implants that combine ceramic and titanium to prevent implant rejection. Ceramics is the hardest of all materials used in dental implants, so it may last longer than titanium implants. However, ceramic is also porous, so it needs to be monitored closely and changed every 2-5 years to prevent bacteria build-up.
Do not forget to brush your teeth
Although you shouldn’t brush your teeth too vigorously, you should still brush them regularly. Brushing your teeth will remove bacteria that could lead to gum disease, which could compromise the health of your dental implant. Implants are less porous than natural teeth, but they are still susceptible to gum disease. Be sure to brush twice daily and use an appropriate amount of pressure.
It is also a good idea to use an antimicrobial mouthwash regularly to further reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. Some people are tempted to use a sonic toothbrush or electric toothbrush. There is no evidence that these tools are better than regular brushing, so they are not recommended for people with implants. Sonic and electric toothbrushes are likely to be too abrasive and could cause damage to the dental implant site.
Avoid foods that are hard on teeth
When you have a dental implant, you must be extra careful with which foods you eat. Avoid crunchy and sticky foods, such as chips and popcorn, as they can easily damage your dental implant. Hard foods, such as chips, carrots, and apples, can abrade your dental implant and cause harm to the site. When the implant site is damaged, the implant is more likely to fail.
If you have an implant, be careful with your chewing and choose softer foods over crunchy snacks. If you grind your teeth, you may want to wear a night guard to protect your implant site with care. Teeth grinding is a common cause of tooth wear and may cause damage to your dental implant. If you are grinding your teeth at night, a night guard can protect your implant and teeth.
Maintain regular dental visits
If you have dental implants, you should see your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. During this visit, your dentist will be able to monitor your dental implants and track their progress. If you are experiencing any pain or other symptoms that may indicate a problem, you should see your dentist immediately.
It is also important to see your dentist before you have dental work. This will give your dentist the opportunity to make sure your gums are healthy and ready for the procedure. Your dentist will also be able to discuss any modifications that may be necessary to ensure the dental procedure is successful.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth with care. With regular maintenance and careful eating habits, implants can last for decades. It is important to schedule pro-quality cleanings, brush twice a day, avoid hard foods, and maintain regular dental visits to protect your implant and prevent gum disease. With proper dental implant maintenance, you can enjoy long-lasting results with this type of restoration.
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