Dental Implant Maintenance
One of the most convenient benefits of dental implants is that they don’t require any special maintenance. As a tooth replacement that looks, acts, and feels just like natural teeth, patients can achieve a lifetime of oral health success with dental implant treatment.
To ensure that your restoration lasts and to help increase its longevity, our Hilliard, OH, dentist has created a comprehensive guide to caring for dental implants. If you have any questions, contact our dental team today by calling (614) 771-6060.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Basic Oral Hygiene Habits
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your dental implants. Oral hygiene habits to follow include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Brushing Your Teeth
Regular brushing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from around the implant site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for dental implants and a low-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching the implant surface.
Brush your teeth twice a day, gently cleaning the implant, surrounding teeth, and gum line. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause irritation or damage to the soft tissues around the implant.
Flossing
Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food debris between your teeth and around your dental implants that your toothbrush can’t reach. Use a floss threader or implant-specific floss to clean around the implant site carefully.
For added convenience, consider using a Waterpik or other water flosser to effectively remove plaque and food particles from around the implant without irritating it.
Rinsing Your Mouth
Rinsing your mouth between meals is an essential step in maintaining the health of your dental implants. It helps remove food particles and bacteria that may be left behind after eating, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup around the implant post.
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash specifically formulated for dental implant patients, as these often contain ingredients that promote implant and soft tissue health. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute, making sure to reach all areas of your mouth, including the implant site. Afterward, spit the mouthwash out and rinse your mouth with water to help kill bacteria and reduce the risk of implant-related infections.
Routine Visits to the Dentist
Even with diligent at-home care, it’s essential to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dental hygienist or dentist can assess the implant site, check for any signs of wear or damage, check for early signs of peri-implant disease, and provide specialized cleaning techniques to remove any hard-to-reach plaque or tartar buildup.
During these visits, your dentist or oral surgeon will also evaluate the overall health of your implants, surrounding teeth, and soft tissues. They may recommend additional treatments or adjustments to your dental implant care routine, if necessary.
Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Dental Implants
In addition to following a consistent dental implant maintenance routine, there are a few extra steps you can take to help prolong the life of your implants:
- Avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage or dislodge the implant restoration.
- Quit smoking, as it can increase the risk of implant failure and peri-implant disease.
- Address any issues with your bite or occlusion, as premature contacts or occlusal overload can put excessive stress on the implant.
- Maintain good overall health, as conditions like diabetes or cancer can impact implant success.
- Follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and integration of the implant.
Problems That Can Occur Without Dental Implant Maintenance
Implant maintenance problems can occur despite regular care and maintenance. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
- Peri-implantitis: This is a type of gum disease that affects the tissue around the implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and redness around the implant. To treat peri-implantitis, your dentist may recommend antibiotics, deep cleaning procedures, or even surgery in severe cases.
- Loose implant: If you feel like your implant is loose or wobbly, it may be due to a loose abutment screw or implant failure. Contact our dentist immediately for an evaluation and treatment options.
- Broken restoration: The crown, bridge, or denture that is attached to the implant may become loose, crack, or break over time. This can be due to normal wear and tear or physical trauma. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend a repair or replacement.
- Gum recession: Gum recession can occur around the implant, exposing the implant to bacteria and leading to implant failure. Our dentist may recommend gum grafting surgery to address the recession and prevent further damage.
It’s important to seek prompt treatment for any implant maintenance problems to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of your implant. Regular dental check-ups and follow-up appointments can also help catch potential problems early.
If you’re dealing with any problems with your dental implant, contact our dentist in Hilliard by calling (614) 771-6060.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist after getting dental implants?
After receiving your dental implants, you’ll want to continue to visit your dentist once every six months. By maintaining regular dental visits, you’ll ensure your dental implants stay in excellent shape, along with your surrounding natural teeth.
Can I continue to use my regular toothbrush and toothpaste on my dental implants?
Most dentists recommend using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for dental implants, as they’re designed to clean and protect the implant post and surrounding tissue without causing damage. Your dentist will recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste for your specific case.
Does food get trapped under a dental implant?
Since the base of your dental implant is fused with your jawbone, food won’t get trapped under the restoration. Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth.
Can plaque grow on implants?
Yes, plaque can grow on implants, just like on natural teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums and, if not removed through proper oral hygiene practices, can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Similarly, plaque can accumulate on the surface of dental implants, leading to inflammation and potential implant failure. This condition is known as peri-implantitis and can cause bone loss around the implant.
What’s the best toothpaste for a dental implant?
It’s generally recommended to use toothpaste that’s low in abrasive particles, as these can scratch the surface of the implant or the restoration attached to it. Look for toothpaste that has a low RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) value, ideally under 70.
Some toothpaste brands also offer specialized formulations for people with dental implants, which may include ingredients such as antibacterial agents to prevent plaque buildup or enzymes to break down bacteria.
Your Dental Implants Can Last a Lifetime at Fishinger Dental
With proper care after the dental implant procedure, dental implants are a life-long solution to missing teeth. If you have any questions about dental implant care, contact our Hilliard dentist today by calling (614) 771-6060.
We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have. We welcome new and returning patients from Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, and surrounding areas in Ohio.
