Dental Implant Care

Dental implants are a modern solution designed to replace missing teeth. A revolutionary alternative to bridges and dentures, implants use small posts, generally made from titanium, that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. The posts, which support your dental restorations, are integrated into your jaw through a natural process called osseointegration. During this process, your bone fuses to the posts, turning them into the roots that hold your new teeth securely in place. At Optimum Oral Surgery Group, we provide dental implants for many needs, whether you are missing one tooth or many. For your implants to be successful, it is important that you take proper care of them.

The Importance of Implant Care

Dental implants are a type of false teeth. Unlike your real teeth, they cannot face decay or develop cavities. So why is taking care of your implants so important then? Even though your dental restorations cannot develop decay, they can still collect plaque and bacteria. These substances can cause irritation and inflammation of your gums, which can then lead to gum disease. When gum disease develops, your gums begin to swell and pull away from your teeth. Swelling leads to the formation of periodontal pockets, which allow bacteria to fall below the gum line. These bacteria then begin attacking your jawbone, leading to bone loss. As your bone loses mass, it becomes weak, which can ultimately lead to implant failure. Taking proper care of your dental implants is essential for preventing this, and other, complications while also helping you to maintain your oral health and maintain healthy gums and a healthy heart.

Daily Implant Care at Home

Just like when you had all of your natural teeth, it is important that you continue to brush and floss your teeth every day. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Go over all surfaces of your natural teeth and dental implants, including their fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.

Flossing should continue at least once a day. Gently work the floss between your teeth and implants and scrape up and down the sides of each tooth. Do not forget to floss behind your very back teeth. When finished brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash can help to remove any lingering loose debris and bacteria.

Regular Dental Visits

Even if all of your teeth have been replaced with dental implants, it is still crucial to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. During your professional cleanings, we can help remove any plaque, bacteria, tartar, and other debris from the surfaces of your teeth and implants, which helps to prevent the formation of gum disease. Exams allow us to check your natural and artificial teeth for signs of damage. We can also look over your gums for signs of redness, swelling, and recession. If we do find any issues, we can take the necessary steps to prevent them from getting worse, helping you to maintain your oral health and your beautiful smile.

While implants do not require the same tedious care as dentures, they still require proper care to ensure that they function properly for a long time to come. If you have any questions or concerns about the care of your dental implants, call Optimum Oral Surgery Group at (856) 437-4432 for more information today.