3 Tips for Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular, effective, and long-lasting tooth-replacement treatment options available in modern dentistry. Dental implants consist of an implant that mimics the root system of a natural tooth and a porcelain restoration. Dental implants are designed to restore a smile in a way that looks, feels, and functions just like natural teeth.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Poor oral hygiene and the development of periodontal disease, however, can compromise your bone structure and your dental implant. So, to protect your dental implants, it's essential that you maintain good oral hygiene. Continue brushing and flossing daily, visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams, and consider the following top tips for taking care of dental implants.
1. Start Using a Water Flosser
Keeping your gum tissue clean throughout your mouth, especially in the area around your dental implant, is very important for limiting bacterial growth and inflammation while preventing gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing are great and should be continued. We also recommend using a water flosser to flush out the bacteria, plaque, food particles, and other debris that can become caught around your dental implant.
You can also use soft-bristled interdental brushes (also known as Proxabrushes) to clean between your natural teeth and your dental implant or under implant-supported dental restoration such as dental bridges or permanently fixed dentures.
2. Avoid Overly Abrasive Dental Care Products
Porcelain is one of the most durable materials used in dental restorations, but it still isn't quite as strong as your natural tooth enamel. Additionally, some patients can experience some sensitivity around their dental implants. For this reason, patients with dental implants should not use any overly abrasive dental care products.
Purchase soft-bristled, nylon toothbrushes or electric toothbrush heads. Additionally, use dental care products (toothpaste and mouthwash) formulated for sensitive teeth.
3. Keep Your Restoration Pearly White
Over-the-counter whitening products and even professional teeth whitening treatments do not work on dental restorations. To prevent staining and discoloration:
- Do not use tobacco products of any kind.
- Limit the consumption of highly pigmented foods and drinks (red wine, coffee, tea, dark-colored soda, chocolate, and berries).
- Rinse with water after consuming highly pigmented foods and drinks.
If your implant does become stained or discolored, our dentists can talk with you about a replacement porcelain restoration.
What to Do If Your Dental Restoration Is Damaged
Implant-supported dental restorations are designed to be durable and function just like normal teeth. While your dental implant should last a lifetime, the porcelain restoration can become damaged as a result of excessive wear and tear.
If you notice that your dental crown, bridge, or denture feels loose, becomes broken, becomes detached, or is stained, schedule an appointment with our dentist right away. We can work with you to repair or replace your porcelain restoration.
Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants in Shenandoah, TX
Dental implants are the most popular smile restoration treatment because they offer so many benefits and advantages over the alternatives. If you've been searching for a dentist that provides dental implants near me, then search no further. At Aesthetic Smiles Dentistry, our dentist is highly experienced in smile restoration. We can talk with you about your smile goals and provide you with a personalized treatment plan. To learn more, we welcome you to contact our office in Shenandoah, Texas today.