03 Dec How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
One major drawback of some tooth replacement devices is that they require adjustments to a patient’s normal oral hygiene routine. An appliance that restricts access to the gumline, like a dental bridge, necessitates additional tools for flossing.
A dental implant, on the other hand, requires no special accommodations for its care. You can brush and floss it just like you would any other tooth.
Dental implants are structurally quite similar to biological teeth. They are independent of the other teeth because the titanium implant fuses to the bone, replicating the characteristics of a natural tooth’s root.
Because dental implants mimic natural teeth, you can use the same methods for caring for the implant as with your natural teeth.
Keep in mind that the care needed by dental implants still includes semiannual visits to the dentist. After all, these routine check-ups and professional cleanings help to keep gum disease at bay, and gum disease can lead to dental implant failure when it progresses to the underlying bone.
Although you won’t have to do anything different to take care of your dental implants on a day-to-day basis, you should bring the implant to the attention of your dental hygienist. The hygienist may need to use different instruments or different techniques when cleaning your teeth in the area of the implant.
Not only do dental implants fit seamlessly into your existing oral hygiene routine, the devices also have minimal impact on your diet. Because they are connected to the jaw, dental implants are sturdier than alternatives like bridges and dentures. Consequently, they can tolerate stronger chewing forces, putting fewer foods off limits for patients. Use good judgment, of course. Don’t chew on hard objects like pencils or your fingernails and expect your dental implants to put up with it.
One of the many benefits of dental implants is their convenience. You will not need to do anything different to take care of your dental implants, but be sure that you take good care of them by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
For more information on the special care that dental implants need, contact our experienced dental team at 972-458-2464 today.