Talk to an experienced implant dentist and they will tell you how important it is to take good care of your dental implants. Implants are a great solution for anyone who has lost one or more teeth, and they can last an entire lifetime with good oral hygiene.
An experienced implant dentist explains the importance of caring for dental implants
Most people are glad to find out that implants do not require any special care, so taking proper care of them does not take much additional effort. Keeping dental implants clean is a lot like cleaning one's natural teeth. The implants need to be kept clean of plaque (which causes tooth decay and gum disease) by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. It is best to clean teeth after meals to remove food particles that are stuck on the teeth and interdental spaces. People with implants should make sure that they clean all sides of the restoration during brushing sessions.
Tools patients will need to keep their dental implants clean include:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- A quality toothpaste with tartar control
- Dental floss to clean around the abutment
An experienced implant dentist might also provide the patient with additional cleaning aids such as:
- Disclosing tablets that stain areas on teeth where plaque has accumulated
- An antibacterial mouth rinse
- Inter-dental brushes to help with cleaning the sides of the implant
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home, regular visits to the dentist are also essential. Patients should aim to see a dentist at least twice a year for an examination and teeth cleaning. The implants should be examined once each year with x-ray images.
The results of not properly caring for implants
Implants can develop complications when the patient does not practice good oral hygiene. The most common sign that there is something wrong with dental implants is blood coming from around the restoration. This is known as mucositis and it can be reversed when caught early.
Failing to treat mucositis can lead to bone loss known as peri-implantitis. This is a non-reversible condition that can lead to more advanced bone tissue loss, leading to the need for removal of the implant. The best way to ensure implants are in good condition is by getting them checked by a dentist regularly.
Benefits of taking good care of dental implants
Patients who take good care of their implants get to enjoy benefits such as:
- An artificial tooth that can last a lifetime
- Preserved jawbone tissue
- An artificial tooth that looks and feels natural
- Their remaining teeth stay properly aligned
Get more tips from our dentist
Dental implants are one of the more popular ways to replace missing teeth and they will last a long time if you follow the tips listed above. Call or visit our Portland clinic today for more tips on how to properly take care of your dental implants.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Portland, OR.
Recent Posts
If you are looking to get an implant restoration from an implant dentist, one of the questions you might have is how the option differs from your natural teeth. Dental implants have been touted as the most reliable and natural-looking option available for replacing missing teeth. The restoration comes with an artificial tooth root that…
The implant dentist you choose can have a major impact on your overall experience and the long-term results of your dental implant procedure. Every implant dentist has a unique process and a different experience level and finding one that meets your specific needs and preferences can help make the process much more convenient.By putting in…
There are benefits to choosing an experienced implant dentist over one who is relatively new in the profession. Dental implants require a more complex process that involves several steps, and choosing the right implant dentist may help make the process more convenient, less invasive, and safer.It is helpful to learn more about dental implants, how…
An experienced implant dentist is exactly who you want to talk to if you are currently considering getting dental implants. These oral prosthetics are one of the popular ways to replace missing teeth. An implant is a rod or screw — usually made out of titanium — that is fitted into a person's jaw. A…