Dental implants are a convenient and natural-looking solution to missing teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Although your dental implants aren’t susceptible to decay like your original teeth are, they still require regular cleaning and check-ups from your dentist.
Cleaning Dental Implants Edmond OK
Dental implants need to be cleaned regularly to prevent plaque building up around the implant. The bacteria in plaque can cause inflammation, infection, or disease in the gums, so clean your implants twice a day using a soft brush, using the same technique you use to clean your natural teeth.
Floss – But Be Careful
You should also floss your teeth and implants every day, but be careful not to push the floss too hard into the gum pocket that the implant sits in. The seal between the implant and the gum tissue does not have as much sensitivity as the seal between gums and natural teeth, so it is easy to push too hard and break the seal, allowing bacteria into the gum pocket.
Smoker?
Smoking during the healing period immediately after your implants have been placed is a bad idea. The chemicals in cigarette smoke reduce blood flow to the mouth and therefore slow down the rate of healing of the implant site, increasing the risk of infection or implant failure. If you can carry on staying away from cigarettes once the implant has healed, you will reduce your risk of complications from gum disease or bone loss.
Beware of Very Hot Liquids
The post of an implant is made of titanium metal, which is a very good conductor of heat. If you eat very hot food or drink very hot beverages, then this metal can heat up and burn the gum cells around the implant post. Repeated burning can lead to loss of the implant. Remember to let drinks such as coffee or tea cool to the point where you can touch them without being scalded before you take a sip.
Dental Implants Edmond OK Hygienist Cleanings
A dental hygienist has specialist tools for cleaning dental implants. Although a home implant care routine is essential, there is a limit to how thoroughly you can clean without professional help. Visit the hygienist once every few months to give your implants the deep clean that they need to keep them in good condition. You should also stick to a regular schedule of dental check-ups to protect your overall oral health.
Caring for Dental Implants Edmond OK
Dental implants can radically improve your quality of life, making it possible for you to enjoy even the chewiest or crunchiest foods. With appropriate care, your dental implants can continue to perform well for the rest of your life. For the long-term success of dental implants Edmond OK oral health professionals recommend regular check-ups and a thorough brushing and flossing regime.
