Choosing to replace missing teeth with dental implants is an investment not only in your appearance but in your long-term health as well. It’s important to protect this investment by taking good care of your implants and entire mouth so your restored smile can last a lifetime.
Below, are some guidelines we’ve put together to help you take proper care of your implants.
Care During Recovery
To make sure you heal properly, Dr. Klym will give you some post-operative instructions to follow for the first few days after your implants are placed. During the recovery period, the process of osseointegration occurs, as the jawbone fuses to the implant fixture, which is essential to the success of your implants.
You’ll be advised to eat only soft foods for the first few days after implant placement. It’s also important to avoid anything that puts pressure on the area, such as spitting or using a straw. You should also refrain from smoking or excessive alcohol use since both can diminish blood flow to the area, interfering with the body’s ability to heal.
Long-term Care
In general, the same oral care that will keep your mouth free of infection and tooth decay will also ensure your dental implants remain secure and healthy. We offer these recommendations for the long-term care of your dental implants:
Follow Proper Oral Care – It’s essential to properly clean all of your teeth to reduce the chance of infection, which can lead to problems with your implants. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, and flossing at least once a day will remove bacteria, plaque, and debris that can cause infection.
Use the Correct Hygiene Products – Since your tooth replacement–crown, bridge, or denture–is softer than natural tooth enamel, it can become damaged if your oral care products are too harsh. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss that is wax-free, nylon-coated or specially made for use with dental implants. Avoid toothpaste made for smokers or that contain extra whitening agents as they can be too abrasive.
Keep Your Gums Healthy – Your prosthetic teeth will not decay like natural teeth; however, your gums are still susceptible to infection. Similar to gum disease, when the tissues around your implant become infected–a condition called peri-implantitis–bone loss can eventually occur and lead to implant failure. Fortunately, following a good oral care routine will help ensure the health of your gums and your implants.
Get Regular Professional Checkups – Your bi-annual checkups become even more important when you have dental implants. During these visits, you’ll receive a professional cleaning and your dentist will check for any signs of infection or other potential problems. Any issues will be treated as soon as possible before they affect your implants.
Contact Dr. Klym for Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a durable, natural-looking, and long-lasting solution to missing teeth. If you’re interested in replacing missing teeth or you already have dental implants and it’s time for your checkup, contact Dr. Klym to schedule an appointment.