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If you’ve recently received dental implant teeth, you may be wondering how to take care of them. Dental implants are expensive, and you’ve probably just gone through a lengthy surgical procedure, so you’ll want to take steps to make sure that you do everything possible to ensure long-term success. How do you best take care of your implant teeth both right after your surgery and in the years to come? Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Implant Teeth?
Implant teeth are surgically implanted into the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis. They look and feel like real teeth, which makes them an attractive option compared to bridges or dentures.
What Sort of Dental Hygiene Do Implant Teeth Require?
Implant teeth should be cared for just as well as normal teeth. Plaque can build up on them just as it does on natural teeth, and you want to keep your gums healthy. If your gums become infected, it can damage the implant teeth and ruin all the expensive and time-consuming dental work you’ve had done. Ideally, you should commit to a comprehensive dental hygiene routine to make sure your new implant teeth last. You should floss every day, brush your implants at least twice a day, especially after mealtimes, and see your dental professional regularly for checkups and cleanings. You should see your dentist every three to six months, and make sure you get an X-ray annually.
Your dentist may recommend other things to keep your implant teeth clean and healthy. They may suggest you use an antimicrobial mouthwash. This will help keep your gums healthy and prevent infection. They may also suggest a special toothbrush to make sure you are getting all the plaque from the areas around the implants. You may also want to try disclosing tablets, which can help you see where the plaque is building up so you can more easily remove it.
Are There Special Tips for Professional Cleanings?
When you go to the dentist, make sure to tell your hygienist that you have implant teeth. Then, the dental hygienist will use special instruments to make sure that the implant teeth are not damaged. If they are scratched or damaged, they can gather more plaque and eventually break down.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Care of Your Implant Teeth?
If you don’t take care of your implant teeth with consistent daily care, you will start having problems. The first sign that something is wrong is bleeding gums. At this point, the damage can be reversed. However, bleeding gums can lead to bone loss, which can lead to the removal of the implant.
You’ve worked hard to get your implant teeth, so it only makes sense to take care of them as you would your natural teeth. If you follow the guidelines above, you will most likely have success with your implant teeth and keep that smile bright and beautiful. To learn more about dental implants, contact us today. At Greater Atlanta Oral and Facial Surgery, we can start with a consultation, help you decide if implants are right for you, and guide you through the process.