Are you considering dental implants as an option for restoring your smile?

Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically placed into your jawbone. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth and are a popular choice among patients who want a long-term option that is comfortable and durable. 

These teeth implants are a popular dental restoration option because they look and feel like natural teeth. However, proper maintenance is key to keeping them in top shape.

In this blog post, we will give you some helpful tips to keep your dental implants in great condition. Read on to learn more.

How Can You Maintain Your Dental Implant?

Maintaining your dental implant is important to keep it healthy and functioning properly. Here are five tips to help you maintain them:

Brush and Floss Regularly

Just like real teeth, dental implants must be brushed and flossed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing motions to avoid irritating the gums.

When brushing your teeth, you can either use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. An interdental brush would also be good to clean the hard-to-reach areas around the implant.

While dental floss is commonly used when flossing, water flossers or oral irrigators can also be used to clean around the base of the implant. This helps remove of food particles or food debris.

Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria that cause gum disease. You can use it to rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing your teeth.

You can also use a saltwater rinse to help keep the area around your implant clean.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is bad for your overall health, including your oral health. It increases the risk of gum disease (or periodontal disease) and other problems that can cause dental implants to fail. If you smoke, quitting is an excellent way to protect your implants (and your health).

See Your Dentist Regularly

It’s highly recommended to visit the dentist at least twice a year. This allows them to monitor the condition of your implants and your oral health. Keep all scheduled appointments so your dentist can check it for any signs of wear or damage.

You are highly encouraged to see your dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional cleanings.

Watch What You Eat

While dental implants are designed to be durable, they can still be damaged by hard foods (such as candy or ice) and sticky foods. Chewing on these types of foods can put too much pressure on the dental implant, damaging it.

Try to avoid them whenever possible and stick to soft foods that are easy to chew, especially during the healing process. 

Additionally, you should avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar can lead to cavities, which can harm your remaining natural teeth.

How Do You Clean Your Dental Implant?

Dental implants are designed to last decades or longer, but they require care. That’s why knowing how to clean them properly is important.

Just like natural teeth, dental implants need to be brushed twice a day and flossed once a day. ADA-accepted toothpaste and toothbrushes are safe for dental implants and implant crowns.

When flossing, be careful not to snap the floss against the implant, as this can damage the implant’s surface. Instead, gently guide the floss between the teeth in a back-and-forth motion. Use a floss threader, if possible.

It’s also important to clean the implant itself. This can be done with a soft-bristled brush or soaking it in an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and checkups.

With proper care, your dental implant will last for many years!

How Often Should You See Your Dentist After Getting Dental Implants?

Dental implants require just as much care as natural teeth. That means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. So, how often should you see your dentist after getting dental implants? The answer may surprise you.

Patients with dental implants should see their dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups, just like patients with natural teeth. However, depending on your condition, your dentist may suggest increasing the frequency of your visits. 

This is because dental implants may be susceptible to plaque build-up and infection, so it is important to keep a close eye on them.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

The short answer is yes! Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for patients who qualify. Not only do they look and feel like natural teeth, but they are also designed to last a lifetime with proper care.

Although dental implants need meticulous care, they do offer numerous oral health benefits – and for most patients, these benefits far outweigh the work of maintaining them.

Final Thoughts

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth. However, like any dental prosthetic, they require proper care and maintenance to stay in good condition.

By following our tips for dental implant maintenance, you can help keep them healthy and looking great for years to come.

If you have any questions or concerns about dental implant care, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment for a consultation in our clinic. You may book online or call Maylands Dental Centre. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get the most out of your dental implants. Thanks for reading!