Dental implants are one of the most advanced and perhaps among the best solutions available to date for filling in missing teeth in one’s mouth. Thus, if someone has undergone dental implant procedures recently or plans to do so, here are some aspects that are quite important to be maintained to make these implants healthy and thus successful for long periods. The proper care of dental implants will ensure that they work like natural teeth and will give you the confidence to smile, eat, and speak without worry. Proper care is what matters to you with the continuous advancement of dental technology.
Here in this blog, we will guide you through essential tips and strategies for keeping your dental implants in top condition and avoiding complications. From cleaning routines to lifestyle adjustments, everything you need to know for dental implant care has been brought forth here.
Dental Implants: A Short Overview
The main thing that needs to be understood before the detailed aspects of the care of an implant are understood is what it is and how it works. In simple terms, a dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in your jawbone, which serves to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once it has filled the space of the bone, over this implantation, a crown or a bridge can then be placed. The function and appearance of your tooth are restored.
Dental implants have a survival advantage in the long term. Nevertheless, without a doubt, complications would arise in the treatment. In the case of natural teeth, oral health has to be observed in proper maintenance for optimum performance.
Oral Hygiene
One of the most important aspects of your dental implants is keeping them clean and free of bacteria. Just as with your teeth, the surface of the implant and gums can become coated with plaque. If it isn’t cleaned, it can continue to move further into the infection called peri-implantitis, which is gum disease of the tissue around the implant.
Prevention of these conditions begins with brushing and flossing. Here’s how:
- Brush Twice a Day
The process of brushing the implants is done twice a day to remove plaque and prevent tartar from accumulating. A soft-bristled toothbrush is used so as not to damage the implant surface. Some dentists suggest that an implant toothbrush be used because these are designed to clean around the implants without causing any damage. - Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Non-abrasive toothpaste be used in the brushing of your implant. Abrasive pastes tend to scratch up the surface of the implant and hence become a place for plaque collection. Fluoride toothpaste is excellent as well because it protects the natural teeth surrounding the implant. - Flossing Daily
Flossing is as important for your dental implants as it is for natural teeth. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between the implant and surrounding teeth. It is advisable to make use of a special floss threader or an interdental brush that may make flossing easier and more effective. - Antibacterial Mouthwash:
You can keep your implants and gums healthy by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. This rinse might reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent infections. Be sure to consult your Adelaide dentist to find a mouthwash that’s safe for your implants.
Regular Dental Checkups
Even though the implant itself is made to last, regular visits to your dentist in Adelaide for check-ups ensure that they are maintained in the best possible condition. Your Adelaide dentist will look for signs of failure and ensure there is no accumulation of plaque around your implants.
You should see your dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning but if you are feeling uncomfortable, swollen, or some other abnormality around the implant, you should see your dentist sooner. Problems can be noticed the sooner it is detected hence, problems that later on prove to be severe should not come up.
Professional Cleanings Significance
Besides brushing and flossing at home, professional cleanings are part of the maintenance process for implants. A dentist or hygienist can use special equipment to remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be reached through at-home care. They can also check on the health of your gums and jawbone, which are very important to the stability of the implants.
Professional cleanings play a great role in the long-term health of your dental implants. Our experienced dental team employs the latest techniques to preserve the condition of your implants.
Keep Your Implants from Damage
Dental implants are strong but not indestructible. Keep them at their best by taking care of them from damage. Here are some tips to help you do so.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Food.
The dental implants are designed to behave like the real teeth. It can, however, be sensitive to extreme pressure. Do not chew on anything hard, such as ice or candies. Such objects may cause breakage to both the implant and the crown. Caramel, taffy, and other sticky food may pull out the implant in addition to raising the chances of loosening the same. - Wearing a Mouthguard if You Grind Your Teeth
You need to wear a custom mouth guard if you grind your teeth because it places a tremendous stress on your dental implants. If you are a sleep bruxist, then you will be required to wear the mouth guard over your teeth to prevent further destruction of the implants thus saving your implant’s lifetime. - Quit Smoking
Smoking slows healing and may speed up the failure rate of the implant procedure. Smoking results in gum disease, which can then contribute to instability of the bone supporting the implant. Quitting altogether is best for any chance of long-term success. If you do need help quitting, speak to your Adelaide dentist or your health provider for support and resources.
Lifestyle Factors for Implant Health
The general health and lifestyle choices determine the success of your dental implants. A healthy lifestyle will improve your general well-being and the health of your implants.
- Balanced Diet
It is crucial to have a diet high in vitamins and minerals, as they promote excellent gum and jawbone health. Calcium is critical for bone strength, and essential support might be required by your implants for full function. Nutrient-rich foods are leafy greens, dairy products, lean proteins, and fruits. - Hydrate
Drink enough water to keep your mouth moist, thereby preventing dry mouth, which can lead to bacterial buildup. Saliva is the natural cleanser of your mouth, so keeping hydrated will support your implants and oral health. - Cut Down on Alcohol and Sugar Intake
With so much alcohol being used and too much sugar in the diet, risks are increased for multiple problems in the oral cavity; these might include gum diseases or cavities that can damage the implants. Providing you don’t drink too much and aren’t consuming too much sugar, an occasional overindulgence will do little harm, but if there is a problem, follow through with what I have explained previously.
Though significantly successful, dental implants can go wrong like their natural counterparts. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your Adelaide dentist right away.
- Swelling or pain within the implant area
- Gum recession
- Mobility of the implant
- Unusual discomfort or bleeding
We’re there at Walsh Dental to keep your implants in top shape. Feel free to ring for an appointment to have us work with you on your concerns or give advice on what to do.
Walsh Dental is known for the best implant services in Adelaide. We pride ourselves on providing customized care tailored to your needs. Our team will be there to assist you through all stages—from the first consultation to long-term maintenance.
Proper maintenance of your dental implants means they are well-kept in health and maintained for long life. This happens by having the best oral hygiene habits, periodic check-ups with the dentist, taking great care not to damage your implants, and generally keeping yourself fit.
Conclusion
If you happen to be staying in Adelaide, you can simply visit Walsh Dental if you want to find answers to several questions about your dental implants’ care or maybe you want a consultation. We will be more than happy to take care of the implant needs at our best discretion. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how we will help you look after the healthy and functional states of your dental implants.
If you’re looking for expert guidance and personalized care for your dental implants, reach out to Walsh Dental. We’re here to ensure your dental implants stay healthy and successful for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!