Caring for Dental Implants
Implants can be cleaned by brushing and flossing around the abutments to prevent buildup of bacteria. This will also help protect your gums from gum disease and help reduce the likelihood of decay in any teeth you still have. Avoid foods and beverages that could stain your prosthetic teeth. The materials used to create your new teeth are less porous than natural enamel and thus more stain resistant. If they do stain, whitening treatments will not be effective. Be sure not to bite down on hard objects that could chip the teeth, either.
Your dentist or periodontist will want to monitor your implants on a regular basis. They will provide guidelines for how to take care of your new teeth as well as how often you should return for checkups. People with implants can be susceptible to gum disease, so it’s important to keep an eye on any problems that might be developing. If gum disease becomes advanced, you could lose your new implants just like you would lose natural teeth.
Implants and Your Health
Implants are one of the best approaches to tooth replacement. Because they work just like your natural teeth, you don’t have to change your diet. You can continue to enjoy chewy or hard-to-bite fruits and vegetables without having to worry about dislodging your teeth, so it’s easier to maintain a high-quality, healthy diet. They also help you maintain self-confidence, since the implants will not shift or move around in your mouth.
Because a tooth implant is placed directly in your jawbone, it also helps keep your jaw healthy, preventing the atrophy that often occurs in denture wearers. Take good care of your new implants, and they will serve you well for many years.
If you’ve had problems with the care of your implants, or want more information about receiving dental implants, make an appointment with the office of Dr. Brad Crump. Staff are ready to help!