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Once you receive dental implants to replace missing teeth, the last thing you’ll want to do is harm the implant’s health by not taking proper precautions for your dental health. Good care and maintenance of dental implants are crucial for their longevity and can help prevent future damage to your teeth, which could lead to additional dental treatments.
In this blog, we’ll give you our top tips for taking care of your dental implants and supporting your general dental health so that you can set yourself up for success.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth, resembling natural teeth in function and appearance. Dental implants are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates with the jawbone through osseointegration.
At Oasis Dental, we offer various dental implant procedures so that you can choose the best method that suits your needs. You can discuss all of your options during a consultation.
Why is it important to follow proper care instructions for dental implants?
Proper care instructions for dental implants are essential for maintaining longevity and ensuring optimal function. Following essential care tips helps preserve the health of your surrounding oral tissues, prevents complications, and protects your investment in dental implants. Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth, and adhering to care instructions is crucial in achieving this goal.
Following care instructions also helps to prevent a condition called peri-implantitis, which is inflammation and infection of the tissues around dental implants. By diligently removing plaque and bacteria, you can reduce the risk of peri-implantitis and maintain the health of the surrounding tissues.
General dental care and hygiene
First, the most crucial step is to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to the areas around the implants and thoroughly clean all surfaces. Use a low-abrasive, non-alcoholic mouthwash to rinse your mouth.
For good dental hygiene, you should also floss daily. Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth and around the implant posts. This helps remove plaque and debris that can accumulate in those areas. You can also consider water flossers or oral irrigators – water flossers can be an effective alternative or addition to traditional flossing. They use a stream of water to remove plaque and debris from around your dental implants.
Within your daily dental hygiene routine, we recommend using a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of your dental implants. Abrasive toothpaste can create tiny scratches where bacteria can accumulate, potentially leading to infection or implant complications.
We recommend visiting your dentist regularly to ensure your implants are holding up well. Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. They will monitor the health of your implants, examine the surrounding gums, and professionally clean your teeth to maintain optimal oral health.
Lifestyle changes and habits
Not only will an excellent dental hygiene routine help to protect your dental implants, but having healthy lifestyle habits that benefit your teeth will also go a long way.
We recommend avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can negatively affect healing and increase the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, consider quitting, and limit your alcohol intake.
It would be best if you also were mindful of your diet. Maintain a balanced diet and limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages. Opt for a tooth-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
It’s essential to stay hydrated for your dental health. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain overall oral health. It promotes saliva production, which helps keep your mouth clean and moist, reducing the risk of complications around your dental implants.
As for habits that we may not think too much about, you should avoid biting on complex objects or using your teeth to open packages, as this can put excessive pressure on your implants. You should also avoid putting excessive force on your teeth, such as grinding or clenching your teeth. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, speak to your dentist about a custom-made night guard to protect your implants and natural teeth from damage.
Protecting your implants
You should wear a mouthguard to protect your implant if you participate in sports or engage in activities with a risk of dental injury.
If you whiten your teeth, it’s essential to use caution around dental implants. Teeth whitening products may not affect the colour of your implants, which could result in mismatched shades. Please consult your dentist before undergoing teeth whitening treatments to ensure they are compatible with your dental implants.
Finally, you should notify your dentist of any changes. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain, swelling, or changes in the appearance of your implants or surrounding gums, contact your dentist immediately.
Oasis Dental: Gold Coast, Pottsville and Brisbane
At Oasis Dental, our dedicated team is committed to the health of your smile by providing the latest advancements in dental procedures. We take pride in creating a welcoming environment where you can comfortably discuss your dental concerns and goals. We collaborate with you through personalised care and open communication to achieve your desired results.
For patient-centred care, including personalised dental care tips, contact us today to schedule your consultation in the Gold Coast, Pottsville or Brisbane and discover how our team can help you achieve your dental goals.
