Now that you have dental implants, you need to know how to care for them. Or if you’re just thinking about replacing your dentures with implants, you’ll need to know what kind of care they’ll require before you make a final decision. Either way, if you’re accustomed to daily brushing and flossing, you won’t need to change your routine. One of the many great benefits of dental implants is that their care and maintenance is very similar to that of natural teeth.
Brushing
Keep your teeth (and your implants) plaque-free with the use of low-abrasive, tartar control toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can use either manual or electric, whichever you prefer. Brush gently at least twice a day.
Flossing
Removing plaque and food particles out from between your implants is just as important as removing them from between your teeth. Your gums are at risk if you allow bacteria to grow there. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth (and your implants).
Mouth Rinse
You may want to add an antimicrobial mouth rinse to your daily oral care routine. It will help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease), and reduce the speed of tartar formation. This addition to your routine is good for both your teeth and your implants. It will also help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Dental Checkups
The longevity of your dental implants (they can last a lifetime!) requires teamwork with your dentist. Although your replacement teeth cannot get cavities the way your natural teeth can, they are subject to the same wear and tear. During regular dental checkup, your dentist will perform the cleaning and X-rays that help ensure that your implants remain in great condition.
Stop Smoking
Researchers have found that smoking increases the likelihood of implant failure. One study found that the implant failure rate was 15.8% in smokers and only 1.4% in non-smokers. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor or dentist for support options.
Conclusion
Simple maintenance is one thing that makes dental implants such a great alternative to dentures and other tooth-replacement options. Not only do implants work like natural teeth, allowing you the freedom to eat, laugh, and kiss without fear of your teeth shifting around in your mouth, but they’re also easy to care for.
About Thomas Gonzales, D.D.S.
Thomas Gonzales D.D.S. is a Los Angeles dentist with advanced training in dental implants. He has 45 years’ experience and is licensed in IV Sedation. Dr. Gonzales has taught courses worldwide on dental implants at LVI Global, Neodent and Dental Implant Institute. He was a professor of IV Sedation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine and a neuromuscular dentistry instructor for Loma Linda Medical Center. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Gonzales is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam War Veteran.
