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Patients who receive dental implants often have questions about the proper maintenance procedures to ensure their long-term success. It’s pretty simple actually, dental implants are designed to look and work like real teeth. So you should treat them as such and practice the same dental hygiene as you would with the rest of your mouth. But while they are intended to replace teeth that you have lost, you should treat them with a bit more care and delicacy.
Follow Your Dentist's Instructions
When your implants are installed, your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for them and prevent common post-surgery symptoms of pain and inflammation. He or she will also explain how to care for your implants to keep them clean and free from infections. You may be given some antibiotics to fight any complications that may arise and be sure to take these medications faithfully and completely. Your dentist will also book post-operative appointments to ensure that the healing process is progressing successfully. Be sure to make it to every one of them and should you need to re-schedule try to do so in a timely manner so that your dentist may do the necessary observations.
Avoid Stressful Chewing
Don’t place undue stress on your implants, especially in the first few weeks after surgery. That means avoiding hard items that could require excessive force to chew because it could dislodge the implant from the point where it meets the bone. There is a solid bond there that needs time to affix properly; any overexertion at this point could compromise the bond. Be careful about grinding or clenching your teeth at night as this could also impact your implant. Tell your dentist if you are experiencing any of these actions to take proper steps for avoidance. You don’t want to let bad habits harm your implants or your other teeth.
Brush Regularly
Treat the implant as you would any of your teeth. Brush it thoroughly but carefully and always be sure to use the proper type of brush for getting into the hard to reach areas where your implant meets the gum. Your dentist will suggest which brush should be used for cleaning around the implant and don’t forget to floss around it as well. Proper cleaning habits will keep your implants healthy and in good working order.
