A common mistake is assuming that because dental implants are “false teeth,” they do not need to be taken care of. Not only is this not true, but improper care can lead to serious infections around dental implants. The gum tissue and jawbone around a dental implant can become infected if you do not properly take care of your dental implants. This is sometimes referred to as peri-implantitis and can be very serious. In this quick guide, we will cover how to take care of your dental implant. For dental implant treatments and other restorative dental procedures in Swampscott, Massachusetts, contact our team.
Daily Maintenance Guide for Dental Implants
Whether you have a single dental implant or an arch, all-on-X implant, or other dental implant, you need to take care of it every single day. Just like natural teeth, this begins with brushing and flossing. Each day you should use either a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria from around the dental implant, surrounding teeth, and gums. Flossing is essential for dental implants. There are implant-specific floss products, including water flossers that can clean the spaces between the gums and the implant. Unlike natural teeth, there is a gap between dental implants and the gumline, so it is important to clean that area to prevent gum disease. On top of this, it can be beneficial to use mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
What To Avoid If You Have Dental Implants
For patients with dental implants, you should avoid using stiff-bristled toothbrushes or abrasive toothpaste that can damage your dental implant. Likewise, hard or sticky foods can cause an implant to loosen or get dislodged. Moreover, tobacco products can do significant damage to the healthy tissue that supports a dental implant, which can lead to implant failure.
The Importance Of Regular Dental Checkups for Patients with Implants
Dental checkups are already imperative for all adult patients. During a regular cleaning and exam, any existing problems are discovered, and treatment plans are created. Catching issues earlier usually means less intensive care is needed and there is less damage to worry about. The same is true for patients with implants. In fact, any patient with a filling, crown, bridge, or implant should take special care to see their dentist twice every year. Those regular visits can help ensure that everything is working properly and that if there are any problems, they are addressed sooner rather than later. Dental implant issues can eventually lead to both implant failure and make it impossible for a new implant to be used.
Schedule Restorative Dental Treatments & Regular Cleanings in Swampscott, MA
Here in Swampscott, MA, our team helps patients with dental implants and other restorative dental treatments. If you need to book an appointment for yourself or a member of your family, we would be happy to help you. Give us a call to book an appointment.