Caring For Dental Implants
Portland, OR
Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular treatment choice to replace missing teeth. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the number of people getting implants has increased by 500,000 a year. After all, there are some obvious benefits of getting dental implants.
With dental implants, you can enjoy a better appearance, improved oral health, and preservation of your facial structure. And while dental implants are a durable missing teeth replacement choice, it is still important to take care of your dental implants. Let's look at some of the ways you can take care of your dental implants and enjoy the longevity of your implant.
You may have just had dental implant surgery and are wondering when you can get back to your life and the things you enjoy doing. This is a common concern that a lot of people have before opting for dental implants. Our dentists Dr. Dan and Dr. Dan Rodriguez at Portland City Dental have helped countless patients with dental implant surgery and observed a wide range of recovery periods. All things equal, the average dental implant recovery time is three to six months.
Regular Brushing and Flossing
You may assume that dental implants are artificial and therefore may not require cleaning like natural teeth. However, that's not true. Dental implants may not be natural, but you still need to care for them like your natural teeth. Make sure you clean your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and while brushing your teeth, don't forget to brush under and around the implant crown.
Moreover, it is also important to not only brush, but to floss your teeth regularly. When flossing your teeth, it is important to floss around the implant's base to ensure that no food particles or debris accumulate along the gums. It is best to use implant-specific floss, which makes flossing easier compared to regular floss.
Use Appropriate Dental Supplies
Another way you can take care of your dental implants is to use appropriate supplies. Start with a soft-bristled toothbrush that is long enough so it can reach the back of your mouth. Our dentist may also recommend using an electric toothbrush for better cleaning or a nylon-coated interdental brush that effectively cleans hard-to-reach places in the oral cavity.
Avoid Things That May Damage Your Implants
Dental implants can last for a lifetime. However, they are not completely indestructible. Certain behaviors and habits can increase the risk of damaging the implants. Iit is best to avoid chewing on hard things such as pens or ice, and avoid using your teeth to hold things and open packages. Moreover, chewing on extremely hard foods can also potentially damage your dental implant. Furthermore, if teeth grinding and clenching is a concern, know that it can damage your dental implant, and it is best to ask our dentist about getting a nightguard.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is great for your overall health. One of the most obvious benefits is that it promotes the production of saliva. In your oral cavity, the role of saliva is to remove excess food and bacteria and neutralize the acid produced by bacteria when it interacts with food. When you drink plenty of water, it naturally cleans your mouth. However, it doesn’t eliminate the need for brushing.
Visit Your Implant Dentist Regularly
The most critical aspect of caring for dental implants is to visit our implant dentist regularly. It is best to schedule a dental exam twice a year, even if you are not experiencing any problems with your implant. In case of a concern, you may need to visit us more frequently.
If you have dental implants or are planning to get one, schedule a visit with Dr. Dan at Portland City Dental by calling (503) 256-7917 to ensure the health and longevity of your dental implants. |
