Caring for dental implants is crucial for ensuring their longevity and functionality. Dental implants, a popular and effective tooth replacement option, require a commitment to proper care and maintenance. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to care for your dental implants, tailored for patients at Park Place Dental in the Barrie and Innisfil areas.
Daily Care Routine for Implants
Brushing and Flossing
Dental implants require regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque and prevent buildup, just like natural teeth. We recommend brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently clean around the implants. We recommend paying particular attention to the gum line to avoid plaque buildup, which can lead to infections. Flossing is equally essential; use unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss to clean around the abutments and under the prosthesis without irritating.
Considerations for Brushing Dental Implants
When brushing implants, reaching all sides of the implant crown is vital. Consider using an interdental brush or a water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas effectively. Avoid using metal instruments around your implants, as they can scratch the surface, making them more susceptible to bacteria.
Eating and Drinking
Can You Eat Normally with Dental Implants?
Yes, one significant advantage of dental implants is the ability to eat normally. During the initial healing phase, it's advisable to stick to soft foods to avoid putting undue pressure on the implants.
Foods to Avoid
While dental implants are robust, certain hard or sticky foods can damage the implant crown or abutment. It's best to avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, and very sticky foods like caramel. These precautions help maintain the implant's structural integrity and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Visiting the Dentist
Regular Dental Cleans
Routine visits to an implant dentist for cleanings and checkups are vital for the longevity of dental implants. These appointments allow the dentist to monitor the health of the implants, gums, and surrounding teeth. Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss, especially around implants.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Still Vital?
Even with diligent home care, professional cleanings are crucial for preventing peri-implant diseases, which can lead to the implant's loss. The implant dentist can also adjust any components that may have loosened over time, ensuring the implant remains secure.
Dental implants can't get cavities, but the gums around them can get infected. Signs of infection include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking timely dental treatment can prevent and manage gum disease around implants.
When to Contact Your Barrie Dentist
If you notice any discomfort, loosening, or changes in your bite, contact your dentist immediately. Early intervention can prevent more severe issues and prolong the life of your dental implant.
Smoking and Dental Implants
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure, as highlighted by research. Smoking can impede healing around the dental implant, leading to higher rates of infections and complications. Quitting smoking not only improves the success rate of dental implants but also benefits your oral and systemic health.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Look and Feel — Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing a comfortable and seamless fit.
- Improved Oral Health — Dental implants help preserve natural tooth structure because they don't require altering adjacent teeth.
- Durability — With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a more permanent solution than other tooth replacement options.
- Enhanced Comfort — Once integrated with the bone, dental implants feel comfortable and natural, unlike removable dentures.
- Better Eating and Speaking — Dental implants are anchored in your jawbone like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods without pain and speak without worrying about dentures slipping.
- Convenience — Dental implants are convenient, and they don't require messy adhesives, like dentures do, to stay in place.
- Prevents Bone Loss — Dental implants stimulate and preserve natural bone growth, which can prevent bone loss and maintain the shape of your face.
- High Success Rate — Dental implants have a higher success rate than other dental procedures, making them a reliable option for tooth replacement.
- Long-Term Oral Health Benefits — By replacing missing teeth, implants allow for easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene and leading to a healthier mouth overall.
Looking for Dental Implants in Barrie, ON?
Caring for dental implants involves a combination of good daily oral hygiene practices, mindful eating and drinking habits, regular visits to the dentist, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. By following these guidelines, residents of Barrie and Innisfil can enjoy the full benefits of their dental implants and ensure these tooth replacements last a lifetime. Dental implants are an investment in oral health, and caring for them is essential for maintaining a healthy, functional smile.
We invite you to call us at (705) 728-9922 or book via our online scheduler.
