Dental implants are an excellent way to improve your smile and self-confidence. More adults in Australia are choosing dental implants to replace their missing or severely damaged teeth. But dental implants are also a significant investment, so it is vital to take care of them properly.
The best way to take care of dental implants is to brush twice daily and floss at least once daily, just like you do with your natural teeth. It is also essential to visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings. With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Taking Care of Dental Implants: Immediate Aftercare
Getting dental implants is a surgical procedure during which the dentist makes an incision in your gums and screws a metal rod into your jawbone. As with any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of infection. That’s why it’s important to take good care of your dental implant after surgery.
Keep the surgical area clean with saline or antibacterial mouth rinses, and take your antibiotics as prescribed. You should also brush and floss your teeth, but be careful of the area around your dental implant to avoid irritating the surgical site.
Avoid crunchy or hard food for several weeks following surgery. Chew carefully to avoid putting too much pressure on your dental implant.
Taking Care of Dental Implants Long-Term: Brush Twice Daily
Brushing your restored teeth at least twice daily is vital to protect your gums and oral health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste for your dental implants. These products can help to remove plaque and maintain the health of your dental implant.
Taking Care of Dental Implants: Adapt Your Flossing Technique
If you have a dental implant, it’s crucial to adapt your flossing technique to ensure that your implants remain clean and healthy. Traditional flossing methods can be challenging with implants, as the floss can’t reach under the restoration to clean the area properly, especially if you have All-on-4 implants. However, there are a few ways to floss around implants effectively:
- Use a floss threader. This small tool helps you thread the floss under the implant so you can reach the area around it more easily.
- Use an interdental brush. These brushes are specifically designed to clean between teeth and can be used to reach under a dental implant as well.
- Use a Waterpik. This device uses a gentle jet of water to clean around implants (and other teeth). It can effectively remove plaque and bacteria from under All-on-4 denture plates and implant-supported bridges.
Whichever method you choose, ensure you are gentle when cleaning around the dental implant. Vigorous scrubbing can damage the implant and surrounding tissue.
Taking Care of Dental Implants: Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
Dental implants can also be damaged by biting on hard objects. The force of the bite can loosen the implant or damage the dental prosthetic. As a result, avoiding using your teeth as tools is essential. If you need to open a package or bottle, use a knife or scissors instead of your teeth.
Taking Care of Dental Implants: Manage Bruxism
The success of the dental implant procedure relies heavily on the ability of the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Unfortunately, bruxism (teeth grinding) can place undue force on the teeth and jaws and put dental implants at risk. Bruxism can cause dental implants to loosen and eventually fail. Teeth grinding can also damage the surrounding teeth, leading to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
The best way to protect your dental implants is to treat bruxism. Ways to treat bruxism include dental splints and night guards. Stress-reducing techniques such as relaxation therapy can also help prevent bruxism.
Taking Care of Dental Implants: Visit Your Dentist Regularly
To ensure dental implants are successful, visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings. This helps ensure the implant site is healthy and free of infection. Regular dental visits also allow your dentist to monitor your dental implant and ensure it functions correctly.
By visiting your dentist twice per year, you can help to ensure the success of your dental implants and maintain good oral health.
Get a Dental Consultation Near You in Croydon
A healthy, bright smile can make a great impression and boost your self-esteem. If you’re unhappy with your smile, visit a dentist that offers a consultation. At Dental Spot in Croydon, our experienced dentists will assess your oral health and give you personalised treatment recommendations.
We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your smile and oral health goals. Contact us on (02) 9158 6115 today to get a consultation at your local dental clinic and get started on the path to a beautiful and healthy smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
AUSTRALIA’S ORAL HEALTH: National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017-18
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/arcpoh/national-study/report/Australias_Oral_Health_2017-18.pdf
Why do some people grind their teeth?
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-grinding
