If you have a dental implant, you understand that caring for your implant is very similar to caring for your natural teeth and remains essential to your overall mouth health. Just like with your natural teeth, not properly caring for your dental implant through routine maintenance and daily care may lead you to develop oral health issues and eventually lead to irreversible damage. While the implant itself has the potential to last a lifetime, the dental crown will begin showing signs of regular wear and tear after 10 to 25 years of use. Worry not; you can easily increase the lifespan of your dental implant by performing proper routine maintenance. Our experts at Cambridge Family Dentistry, a provider of dental implants in Wichita, Kansas, have detailed everything you need to know to properly care for your dental implant below!
Avoid Infection With Good Oral Health
While you may not need to worry about getting cavities in your dental implants, it is still essential for your overall mouth health to continue practicing daily oral hygiene care. Brush your teeth twice daily to remove bacterial biofilm and avoid plaque buildup, as this can cause cavities to form in the areas between your implant and your permanent teeth. Regular brushing is increasingly important for patients with dental implants as the implant depends on healthy tissue surrounding the crown for support. Continue to floss once each day to prevent gum disease resulting from plaque buildup and the collection of bacteria near the gum line. Without adequately brushing and flossing your teeth to regularly remove plaque buildup, you may develop peri-implantitis, which can ultimately lead to the loss of your attachment and eventually the decay of your implant.
When brushing around your implant, it is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush while focusing on the sides of the implants. Our experts at Cambridge Family Dentistry recommend patients try a tartar-control toothpaste and avoid brushing too hard to avoid damaging the implant. Some dental hygiene to add to your daily care routine may include:
An electric toothbrush
Tartar-control toothpaste
Ant-bacterial mouthwash
Dental floss
Schedule Regular Checkups
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices will help keep your implant healthy and increase the longevity of your crown, but it is still important to schedule regular checkups with your dentist. You should continue to visit your dentist for regular exams every six months, where your dentist or dental hygienist will provide an extensive examination and monitor the gums and teeth surrounding the implant for any changes. These trained professionals will also help remove biofilm and dental calculus in a way that avoids implant abutment damage, specifically checking for any gum tenderness, sensitivity, looseness, and the alignment of your teeth. Your dental provider will also examine the different components of your implants to ensure that all components are functioning correctly and help create an individualized care and maintenance plan to check for the early detection of disease. This will help ensure the health and longevity of your dental implant!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in all articles published on the Cambridge Family Dentistry website do not necessarily reflect the views of our staff members at Cambridge Family Dentistry.
Are you contemplating a dental implant in Wichita? Contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn more about our comprehensive dentistry. We look forward to caring for your smile!
Avoid Infection With Good Oral Health
