Dental Implant Maintenance
One of the most convenient benefits of dental implants is that they don’t require any special maintenance. As a tooth replacement that looks, acts, and feels just like natural teeth, patients can achieve a lifetime of oral health success with dental implant treatment. To ensure that your restoration lasts and to help increase its longevity, our Seattle dentists have created a comprehensive guide to caring for dental implants.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Basic Oral Hygiene Habits
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your dental implants. Oral hygiene habits to follow include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Brushing Your Teeth
One of the most effective ways to maintain dental implants is by brushing your teeth twice a day. When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for implants. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the tops, sides, chewing surfaces, and gum lines.
Flossing
Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around your dental implants. Use a floss threader or special dental floss designed for dental implants to make flossing around the implant post easier.
One of the best methods for flossing is known as a Waterpik. It can reach difficult spots and keep the gum line clean.
Rinsing Your Mouth
Rinsing your mouth between meals is an essential step in maintaining the health of your dental implants. It helps remove food particles and bacteria that may be left behind after eating, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup around the implant post.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash specifically formulated for dental implants. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute, making sure to reach all areas of your mouth, including the implant site. Spit the mouthwash out and rinse your mouth with water.
Routine Visits to the Dentist
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining excellent oral health and keeping your dental implants in pristine condition. Your dentist will examine your implants to check for any signs of wear or damage and clean and polish them to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Problems That Can Occur Without Dental Implant Maintenance
Implant maintenance problems can occur despite regular care and maintenance. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
- Peri-implantitis: This is a type of gum disease that affects the tissue around the implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and redness around the implant. To treat peri-implantitis, your dentist may recommend antibiotics, deep cleaning procedures, or even surgery in severe cases.
- Loose implant: If you feel like your implant is loose or wobbly, it may be due to a loose abutment screw or implant failure. Contact your dentist immediately for an evaluation and treatment options.
- Broken restoration: The crown, bridge, or denture that is attached to the implant may become loose, crack or break over time. This can be due to normal wear and tear or physical trauma. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend a repair or replacement.
- Gum recession: Gum recession can occur around the implant, exposing the implant to bacteria and leading to implant failure. Your dentist may recommend gum grafting surgery to address the recession and prevent further damage.
It’s important to seek prompt treatment for any implant maintenance problems to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of your implant. Regular dental check-ups and follow-up appointments can also help catch potential problems early.
Frequently Asked Questions
After receiving your dental implants, you’ll want to continue to visit your dentist once every six months. By maintaining regular dental visits, you’ll ensure your dental implants stay in excellent shape along with your surrounding natural teeth.
Most dentists recommend using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for dental implants, as they’re designed to clean and protect the implant post and surrounding tissue without causing damage. Your dentist will recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste for your specific case.
Since the base of your dental implant is fused with your jawbone, food won’t get trapped under the restoration. Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth.
Yes, plaque can grow on implants just like it can on natural teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, and if not removed through proper oral hygiene practices, can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Similarly, plaque can accumulate on the surface of dental implants, leading to inflammation and potential implant failure. This condition is known as peri-implantitis and can cause bone loss around the implant.
It’s generally recommended to use toothpaste that’s low in abrasive particles, as these can scratch the surface of the implant or the restoration attached to it. Look for toothpaste that has a low RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) value, ideally under 70.
Additionally, toothpaste that contains fluoride is important for maintaining the strength of the implant and preventing decay. Fluoride can help remineralize the enamel of the implant and surrounding teeth, making them more resistant to acid erosion.
Some toothpaste brands also offer specialized formulations for people with dental implants, which may include ingredients such as antibacterial agents to prevent plaque buildup or enzymes to break down bacteria.
Your Dental Implant Can Last a Lifetime
With proper care, dental implants are a life-long solution to missing teeth. If you have any questions about dental implant care, contact our Seattle dentists. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
