If you have recently decided to invest in dental implants or you just completed your implant treatment, congratulations! Midlothian dental implants are by far the best option for replacing your missing teeth, whether it’s just one or two or your entire smile. Today’s implants are the preferred choice by many dentists and patients alike.
One of the many questions we get from patients is, now that they’re considering or have recently received implants, “How do I take care of them?” Let’s take a look at the ways you can clean and maintain your implants once you go back home.
A Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home is extremely important. If not cleaned regularly, your gums can get infected. Brush around the implant and gumline, then clean between and around each one with floss or a water flosser. This will keep plaque and bacteria from building up around the edges to keep your gums nice and healthy.
Be sure to choose a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft bristle toothbrush. You don’t want to use anything too harsh and potentially damage the gums around your implants.
Regular Dental Cleanings
Continuing with your regular dental cleaning and check-ups is always a key factor for having healthy teeth and gums. The same still stands for your implant. Having your teeth and implants professionally cleaned by your dentist or hygienist involves the use of special instruments to get in and around the implant and under the gum tissue, where bacteria may hide out of reach.
Your dentist will also perform periodic check-ups. If they see any areas of concern, they can let you know if they feel you need to have the implant assessed by our specialist.
Things to Avoid
As there are things that you should do, there are also things you will want to try to avoid in order to care for, and prolong, the life and health of your implant.
Watch What You Chew
Just like your natural teeth, implants can be damaged by biting or chewing on hard foods or non-food items. This can place too much pressure on the implant and can cause it to chip or fracture as your natural tooth would. Be mindful and be careful!
Smoking
Not only can smoking cause staining, but it can also cause lack of blood supply to the gums, putting them at an increased risk of gum disease. It’s important to keep the gums surrounding implants nice and healthy, so you want to avoid anything that can jeopardize their health.
Grinding or Clenching
If you grind or clench your teeth, you may need to have a nightguard made. Nightguards buffer the pressure of teeth grinding (bruxism.)
Dental Implants in Ellis County
Implants that are taken care of properly can last a lifetime and give you the confidence you want from a new smile!
To learn more about our Midlothian dental implants, request a consultation at the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery today!