Dental implants are a common dental procedure that is used to help fill gaps in your smile and remedy decaying teeth. This procedure is important to prevent tooth decay and jawbone deterioration, but in order for them to last, you need to take proper measure to care for dental implants. Once a dental implant is installed, there are some ways to help ensure these fake teeth last through consistent use. Care for dental implants is similar to your typical oral hygiene routine, but there are some extra precautions to take. Just like your natural teeth, implants need proper care in order to continue serving their intended purpose. Here are our tips for how to best care for dental implants.

Visit The Dentist Regularly

Just like natural teeth, dental implants still need to be cleaned and inspected by a dental professional. Your implants will have a higher success rate if you keep up with your regular dental visits. Routine cleanings are the best way to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth that lead to cavities and gum disease. Hygienists and dentists remove plaque that has built up around your gums to reduce the risk of disease, including peri-implantitis. 

Use A Mouth Rinse

Following a similar hygiene routine that you followed before your implant procedure is the best way to care for dental implants in the long term. Antimicrobial mouth rinse removes harmful bacteria that lead to cavities and other oral damage. Using these mouth rinses correctly reduces the risk of infection around your implants and prevents further decay in other surrounding teeth. All mouth rinse options are not created equal, though, so make sure to ask your surgeon or dentist what mouth rinse is best for your situation. 

Stop Smoking Or Using Tobacco Products

Smoking and tobacco use are habits that can come with severe consequences and should be avoided if you want to care for dental implants. Using tobacco products can increase your risk of decay, cavities, gum disease, and the need for cosmetic dental procedures. Patients who need implants will be encouraged to quit smoking and drinking alcohol in order to help speed up the healing process. Stopping the habit of smoking can also help your implants last longer because the chemicals and tobacco won’t deteriorate your gums and other teeth.

Avoid Chewing Ice Or Hard Foods

Hard foods or ice can be extremely damaging to your implants. Although they are made to be durable like natural teeth, implants can crack and chip just like typical enamel. Chewing ice, crunchy candy, or extremely hard foods, especially right after a procedure, can be detrimental to the longevity of dental implants. If you want proper care for dental implants, you will switch to softer foods, smoothies, or fruit for a limited time. 

Follow Your Aftercare Instructions

Right after your implant procedure, you will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. Following proper care for dental implants often requires you to follow similar guidelines to a wisdom tooth surgery. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco, eating soft foods until your gums and sockets heal, and drinking plenty of water are a few things that can help you recover well. Following these recovery guidelines, replacing gauze, and taking medication on the proper schedule will prevent improper healing. Improper healing can lead to infection and the need for further dental work. 

Communicate With Your Periodontist

If you are unsure about care for dental implants, talking to your periodontist or a trusted dentist can help you better understand how to care for your implants. These professionals have completed many implant surgeries, so they know how to ensure long-term success. Especially for those who have never had severe dental work, you may have some anxiety and questions during recovery. Make sure you have your dental office’s emergency number or a reference sheet from the periodontist with tips for common situations.

Dental Implants From Mountain View Dental

Missing teeth can affect your appearance and your overall confidence. Mountain View Dental can help you love your smile again, make eating easier, and prevent jawbone weakening through dental implant procedures. Our dental team is here to help you find the best procedures and care for your exact situation. Choosing the right provider for your procedure can make all the difference. If you need dental implants, we are here to answer your questions and provide a personalized treatment plan. Reach out to us to schedule your appointment today!