A Dental implant is an excellent way to restore your smile. These implants look, feel, and function just like your real teeth and they can last up to 25 years. Of course, that is if you have good oral health hygiene habits and take proper care of them.
Taking care of a dental implant is a lot like taking care of your natural teeth. Your implant should be brushed twice a day and flossed at least once a day just like your real teeth. If possible, brush your teeth after every meal, paying special attention to the sides of the implant.
A few dental hygiene aids you should consider adding to your daily routine include:
- An electric or manual toothbrush with soft, small bristles
- A fluoride toothpaste with tartar-control
- Dental floss to clean tight spaces and abutments
- An Anti-bacterial mouthwash
Proper maintenance of your dental implant does not end with good oral hygiene habits. Regular visits to the dentist are also necessary. You should see a dentist at least twice every year. Your oral professional will perform an examination of your mouth as well as a dental cleaning. Your dentist will also get an X-ray of the implant once a year.
Regular visits to the dentist will not just keep your implants in proper condition, it will also keep your natural teeth in excellent condition. These regular visits will also give your dentist an opportunity to detect any issues in their early stages.
Consequences of not taking care of dental implants
If you do not properly clean your implants by brushing twice a day and flossing, there is a better chance of developing oral health issues. The most common sign of a problem is bleeding around the implant. Bleeding around the implant is known as mucositis, a condition that we can treat if we detect it early.
If left unchecked, it will eventually lead to bone loss which is irreversible. If we do not quickly contain the bone loss, it will continue to spread and eventually require the removal of the implant. That is why regular visits to the dentist’s office is a must for your oral health. Even serious issues like mucositis are treatable with treatment if your dentist catches it in its early stages.
What to expect during your checkups
When you go to the dentist for a checkup, he/she will conduct an extensive examination. The gums and teeth surrounding the implant will be under close examination for any changes. Your dentist will look for tenderness in your gums, sensitivity, looseness, and the alignment of your teeth. Your oral professional will also take a close look at all the various components of your implants to ensure they are in good condition and are functioning properly.
Wrapping up
Implants are one of the most effective ways to restore your smile. It gives you the option of replacing missing teeth without having to deal with clunky prosthetics like dentures. Implants are a lot like your regular teeth, so you will not have to change your oral hygiene routine much if you already have good habits. Contact the Impressions Dental professional staff in Chandler, AZ to find out what is the best dental implant maintenance and more about dental implants.
