How to care for your dental implant. You've been through a lot. You had a missing tooth, went through the dental implant procedure, and are ready to show off that new smile. However, now that the procedure is over, your job is not done. Knowing how to care for your dental implant is important to help it last a lifetime. Dental implants are an investment - and one worth protecting.
Schedule a Free New Patient Consultation at Affordable Dentist Near Me with Dr Pham, DDS
Table Of Contents:
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Did you know that many people don't even floss every day? In fact, only 16% of American adults floss daily. This is concerning to dentists because proper oral hygiene is vital to the success of dental implants. While implants don’t decay like natural teeth, neglecting your oral hygiene can put your implant at risk for periodontal disease and lead to complications.
How to care for your dental implant means treating it just like your natural teeth. This means you will want to keep up good dental hygiene for implant success.
Brushing and Flossing
Just like with natural teeth, brushing twice a day and flossing once is crucial for keeping those pearly whites sparkling clean. Plaque doesn't discriminate; it'll build up on both natural teeth and implants. If you don't brush and floss regularly, this plaque can irritate your gums and potentially jeopardize your implant's stability. And no one wants that.
Make sure to be gentle when brushing around your implant to avoid irritating the gums but still get rid of food and plaque. Studies from RD Magazine show that using a sonic, electric, or manual toothbrush has the same effect when used properly. So, if you have a specific type of brush you are comfortable using, stick with that.
Mouthwash: Your New Best Friend
Mouthwash should become a part of your routine, alongside brushing and flossing, after getting mouth implants. Using a therapeutic mouthwash will help reduce bacteria and keep your mouth fresh. It’s as simple as swishing and spitting after brushing or after meals when you can’t brush right away.
Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, this is a powerful extra step to include in your oral hygiene routine. However, with all of the various types of mouthwashes on the market, how can you be sure which one is best?
Choosing the Right Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Some toothpaste can be very harsh and abrasive, and using a toothpaste that’s too rough can wear down the material on your dental implant crown. When buying toothpaste, check out the RDA rating, which shows how abrasive it is, as recommended by Colgate. Look for the ADA's Seal of Acceptance, which does not approve toothpaste with an RDA rating over 250.
You will also want to consider if you need to use special oral hygiene aids. Things like interdental brushes can help you get hard-to-reach areas.
| Type of Oral Care Product | Things to Look For | Things to Avoid |
|---|
| Toothpaste | - Low abrasiveness (low RDA rating)
- ADA Seal of Acceptance
| - High abrasiveness
- Harsh chemicals such as whitening agents
|
| Mouthwash | - Antibacterial properties
- Alcohol-free formula
- Fluoride
| |
Lifestyle Choices: What to Avoid
You probably already know that smoking is bad for you - but did you know that it can damage your dental implants? That’s right; it’s best to avoid smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure.
Additionally, things like chewing on ice, hard candies, hard-shell tacos, potato chips, carrots, and apples, can put a lot of pressure on your implants. While occasional slip-ups probably won't wreck your implant, making these habits part of your everyday life could loosen the implant or damage the crown. Think of it this way: you wouldn't bite down on a rock with your natural teeth, would you? So treat your implants with the same respect. How to care for your dental implant sometimes means making lifestyle changes that promote good oral hygiene.
Dental Checkups: Your Implant's Best Friend
It's not always enough to simply brush and floss every day - sometimes, you need a professional. Just like you schedule regular checkups for your car, your dental implants require regular visits to dental professionals who utilize modern technology. Dentists can spot potential issues, professionally clean, and give personalized tips.
Remember, taking care of your dental implant means ensuring it’s strong and healthy - and dental professionals are a critical component of good oral health. Your dentist may also recommend gum grafting if you have gum recession. Gum recession can expose the dental implant and cause complications.
How To Choose a Dental Provider for Implants
When selecting a dental provider, choosing someone experienced, trustworthy, and who uses modern technology and techniques is essential. Look for a dental professional who prioritizes patient education and tailors treatment plans to your specific needs and situation.
When you meet with a potential dental provider, you can ask them questions about their experience. How many implants do they place a year? Do they do all types of implants, including all-on-4? Do they do bone grafting? You can also ask them about what you should expect during the healing process.
The Bottom Line: Your Implant is Part of You
With proper care, your new tooth can last as long as – or even longer – than your natural teeth. It's easy to think of dental implants as invincible because they’re artificial. However, knowing how to care for your dental implant ensures a brighter, healthier smile.
Remember, the key is consistency: Make those good habits part of your everyday routine. A little effort each day can help keep that confident, happy grin for many years down the road.
FAQs About How to Care for Your Dental Implant
How do I maintain my dental implant?
Treat it like your natural teeth - this means regular brushing (at least twice a day), flossing (yes, daily.), using fluoride mouthwash, and staying on top of those dentist appointments. Additionally, avoid habits like smoking and chewing on hard foods which can damage both natural teeth AND dental implants. If you use hard bristles on your toothbrush, it can damage your natural teeth and dental implant crown.
Do and don'ts after tooth implant?
Immediately after the implant procedure, follow your dentist’s instructions for post-op care carefully. That may involve using a special rinse, eating softer foods for a while, and taking it easy to promote optimal healing. Once things are settled and you have the "all clear" from your dentist, treat it like you would a natural tooth in your daily oral hygiene routine.
How to make dental implants last longer?
Good news - a dental implant can last a lifetime if taken care of properly. By committing to a consistent, thorough oral hygiene routine, you’ll set yourself up for a lifetime of happy smiles. Think of caring for your dental implant as an ongoing investment rather than a temporary chore.
This involves avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking, which can be damaging to oral health, attending all scheduled dental checkups so your dentist can look for any signs of concern, and always brushing gently around the implant area. Your dental implant maintenance will help you keep your implants for a lifetime.
What not to do with an implant?
Treat your implant just as you would (or SHOULD.) treat your natural teeth. Using your implant to crack nuts or open packages can be super tempting - DON’T DO IT. Additionally, stay away from sugary drinks and sticky candies, as those will also harm natural teeth and implants over time. It is also recommended to avoid using toothpicks and oral hygiene products that contain harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. How to care for your dental implant can sometimes seem complicated and overwhelming. But with all things in life - it becomes easier and almost second nature the more you stick with it. Remember that caring for your implant isn't a sprint, it's a lifelong marathon (hopefully.). Your healthy smile is worth it. And that is something worth smiling about.
Schedule a Free New Patient Consultation at Affordable Dentist Near Me with Dr Pham.
