How to Care for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants have revolutionized the way we smile. They're strong, durable, and look completely natural. Today, dental implants are the go-to choice for dental restorations for those who have missing teeth or need tooth extractions. 

Just like any important investment, they require attention and TLC. When cared for properly, dental implants offer a durable and natural-looking solution that can last a lifetime. 

So, what is the secret to making your dental implants last? 

Caring for your dental implants is not much different from taking care of your natural teeth. It just needs consistent and proper oral care.

Here are some tips from our dental expert, Dr. Zachary Sunitsch, on the maintenance of dental implants.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are your go-to hygiene treatments to keep your dental implants clean and free from plaque and tartar buildup. 

  • Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth and implants at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes can be particularly effective for thorough cleaning.
  • Floss Daily: Floss around dental implants daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your implants and under the gumline. For better results, you can use special floss designed for dental implants, such as nylon-coated or super floss.
  • Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection and keep your breath fresh.

2. Choose The Right Dental Care Tools

You can improve the longevity of your implants by using special dental tools to help you care for your dental implants. 

  • Interdental Brushes: These small, flexible brushes can reach spaces that regular toothbrushes can’t, ensuring thorough cleaning around the implants. 
  • Water Flossers: Water flossers use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and around implants. They offer an excellent alternative to traditional flossing, providing a deeper clean.

Along with using the right dental tools, mastering the art of flossing around your implants is a good skill to learn or “relearn” once your implants are in place. 

Watch this video from the American Dental Association to learn the best way to floss.

3. Follow Post-Implant Care Instructions

After your implant surgery, it's important to give your mouth some time to heal. Dr. Zachary provides you with detailed recovery instructions to ensure a smooth and speedy healing process. 

Common recovery tips to follow after a dental implant are:

  • Icing the surgical site
  • Returning to your oral hygiene routine
  • Taking medication as recommended
  • Avoiding strenuous activity
  • Avoiding vigorous rinsing and mouthwash

You must follow these healing tips carefully for the duration specified by your dental surgeon. Following these recovery steps can help you prevent early implant failure, which typically results from improper healing.

4. Regular Dental Check-Ups

Just like with your natural teeth, dental implant care requires regular visits to the dentist to help monitor your oral health. During these check-ups, Dr. Zachary performs a professional cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar you may have missed. 

He also inspects your implants, surrounding gums, and supporting bone to ensure continued oral health.

5. Avoid Hard & Sticky Foods

While dental implants are strong, it’s essential to be mindful of the force of your bite. Avoid biting down on hard objects that can damage them or cause undue stress. 

We recommend taking caution while biting into hard foods like nuts, ice, and hard candies, as these can crack or damage your implants. Additionally, sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum can be difficult to clean off and may harbor bacteria.

While precaution is necessary, it does not stop you from enjoying your favorite food. One of the great things about dental implants is that you can consume practically anything without making many lifestyle adjustments. 

6. Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your dental implants.

Smoking can impede the healing process after implant surgery. For this reason, we suggest you consider stopping smoking before and immediately following your dental implant procedure. 

Smoking also contributes to gum disease and bone loss, both of which can jeopardize the stability of your implants.  Need help quitting? Talk to Dr. Zachary about smoking cessation programs or nicotine replacement therapies.

7. Guard Your Implants from Sports Injuries

If you participate in sports or physical activities that pose a risk of facial injury, be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your dental implants from damage. Whether you're into basketball, hockey, or even gardening, a mouthguard can protect your smile.

Additionally, if you grind your teeth at night, consult your dentist about getting a night guard to prevent damage from excessive grinding and clenching.

8. Stay Hydrated & Maintain a Balanced Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are crucial for your implants and overall oral health. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and bacteria, and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support your oral health.

Preventing Common Issues with Dental Implants

To keep your dental implants in top shape, you must take proactive steps to prevent common issues like peri-implantitis and implant failure. Think of your implants as a long-term investment in your smile and oral health. 

Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding a dental implant, can sneak up if proper hygiene isn't maintained. So, our doctors strongly advise that daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups become a non-negotiable part of your routine. 

By taking these simple but effective steps, you can ensure your implants stay healthy and functional for years to come.

Expert Care for Dental Implants in Sisters, OR

Caring for your dental implants is easy and straightforward! All you need to do is follow routine oral hygiene and go for regular dental check-ups. 

We understand that visiting a dentist can be daunting, whether for dental implants or checkups. At Pine Desert Dental, we offer comprehensive dentistry for all dental procedures in a transparent and compassionate manner. 

For more information, call us at (541) 549-0109 or request an appointment online. You can also visit us at our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.

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