Dental Implant Maintenance
Prescott Valley, AZ
Dental Implant Maintenance provided by Our Expert Dentists in Prescott Valley, AZ at Bradshaw Family Dental
 One significant benefit of dental implants is their low maintenance needs. This is because they are substitutes for missing teeth, replicating the look, function, and feel of natural teeth. However, to enhance the longevity of your implant and guarantee its strength, our experts at Bradshaw Family Dental have created a detailed guide on how to care for dental implants properly.
Why Do Implants Need Maintenance?
Dental implants are like your regular teeth, except that they are made of a metallic substance. While they have a long lifespan, they primarily depend on how you care for them. Some of the reasons for implant care include:
Prevent Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis is similar to gum disease but affects your implants. It manifests with inflamed, red gums that are sensitive and prone to bleeding when brushing or flossing. Moreover, eating can become uncomfortable. Not only is peri-implantitis incredibly painful, but it can also cause the loss of your dental implants. Thankfully, you can avoid this condition by adhering to these crucial dental implant care tips.
To Retain Implant Stability
If you notice your implant feels unstable or wiggles, it could be because of a loose abutment screw or a failed implant. This often occurs due to poor implant care. It is crucial to reach out to your dentist promptly for an assessment and to discuss treatment options.
To Protect Restorations
Poor care for your implants can lead to damage to your restoration. Over time, the crown, bridge, or denture connected to your implant might loosen, crack, or break. This could result from regular wear and tear or physical impact. Depending on the severity of the issue, your dentist might suggest repairing or replacing the restoration.
To Prevent Gum Recession
One of the expected results of reckless implant maintenance is gum recession. This is where the gums pull away from the implant, which can expose it to harmful bacteria, potentially leading to implant failure. Your dentist might propose gum grafting surgery to address the recession and prevent further complications.
Tips to Care For Your Implants Immediately After the Surgery
Immediately after getting your dental implants, it is normal to experience pain and swelling for the next 24 hours. Bite on the sponges placed in your mouth to control bleeding. Avoid excessive movement and keep your head elevated for the first 8 to 12 hours post-surgery. If necessary, apply an ice pack to your face in 15-minute intervals and consume soft foods and beverages for the first 24 hours. Take any prescribed medications as directed by your physician, and refrain from rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours. Remember, it is important not to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Tips to Care for Your Implants During Healing
Now that you have dental implants, you need to know the best way to care for them. You were probably told that implants do not require special care. While that might be slightly true, some aspects of implants call for more care. Below are a few tips on how to keep your dental implants healthy.
Use a Gentle Brush
Following the placement of dental implants, it may be necessary to change your toothbrush. Nylon toothbrushes feature pliable bristles that are gentle on your dental implants. Additionally, employing a Proxabrush aids in cleaning the challenging-to-reach areas surrounding your dental implants.
Avoid toothbrushes with firm bristles, as these can potentially scratch the surface of your implants. It is advised to refrain from utilizing any metal instruments for oral cleaning once the implants are in position. Instead, adhere to regular brushing and flossing routines twice daily.
Stay Away from Harsh Products
Whether it pertains to toothpaste or mouthwash, opt for sensitive cleaning products following your dental implant procedure. Abrasive products can induce considerable discomfort. In general, it is recommended to stay away from flavored toothpastes such as those with intense mint since they can cause discomfort in the mouth.
Floss Consistently
Did you know that merely 16 percent of American adults floss daily? This signifies that 84 percent of individuals are not flossing adequately! If you fall into this category, it is time to make a change now that you have dental implants. With dental implants, regular flossing becomes crucial, as plaque can accumulate around the implants and potentially lead to additional oral hygiene complications. The advantage is that there are diverse types of flosses specially designed for individuals with dental implants, leaving no excuse for neglecting oral hygiene. If finding time for daily flossing proves challenging, consider creating a plan or reminders on your phone.
Stay Away From Sticky and Hard Foods
It is essential to steer clear of sticky or hard foods to prevent damage to your implants, which can also harm opposing teeth. Some foods to avoid post-implant include ice, caramel, dried fruit, hard candies, hardshell tacos, potato chips, carrots, apples, steak, and crusty bread like French bread. By sidestepping these items, your dental implants will remain healthy.
Stop Drinking and Smoking
It is wise to avoid tobacco and alcohol, not just for general health but especially for dental implants. Since implants typically take around six months to heal, smoking during this period can be especially harmful. Additionally, alcohol consumption has been known to slow down the healing process of dental implants, so it is best to minimize intake as much as possible.
Continue Visiting Your Dentist
Regular visits to the dentist are essential - even with dental implants. While implants can enhance your smile, they do not resolve all dental hygiene issues. Depending on your overall oral health, scheduling at least two visits per year with your dentist is recommended. With proper care and consistent dental check-ups, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Monitor Your Diet
An advantage of getting dental implants is the freedom to consume a wide range of foods and beverages without significant lifestyle changes. However, we suggest allowing your coffee and tea to cool down before consumption. Stay away from tough foods, such as raw vegetables, and avoid sticky candies like taffy and gum.
Schedule an Appointment
Dental implant maintenance is a critical part of the dental restoration process. Implants may indeed last a lifetime, but they need to be cared for. The above tips by Bradshaw Family Dental dentists should help you keep your implants for a long time. However, if you have questions you would like to discuss with a dentist, reach out to us. Give us a call at (928) 277-0076, and a specialist will attend to your concerns. |
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