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Children’s DentistIf you are one of the many people who have chosen dental implants as your preferred method of tooth replacement, then it is important to understand how to take care of them properly.
Dental implants are a great option because they look and feel like natural teeth, but they require special care to stay healthy and function well.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your dental implants.
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How Can You Care For Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can cause loss of bone density; that’s why it’s important to replace them with dental implants. Post-surgery aftercare is critical immediately after to ensure proper healing. During your procedure, dental implants are placed directly into your jawbone. This helps to ensure a strong and sturdy foundation for your new teeth.
Immediately following your surgery, taking care of your dental implants is important. Here’s how:
- Immediately after dental implant surgery, be sure to bite on a gauze pad for at least 30 minutes to help stop the bleeding.
- To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to your face for 20 minutes immediately after dental implant surgery, then repeat every 2-3 hours for the next 2-3 days.
- Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor to help manage any discomfort you may experience.
- Be sure to eat soft foods during this period and avoid chewing directly on your dental implants. Eating hard or crunchy foods could damage your dental implants and delay healing.
Here are a few things to keep in mind several weeks after your dental implant surgery:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Flossing with an implant-specific floss is recommended. Ask your dentist for toothpaste recommendations and avoid abrasive products. A good dental care routine will help to keep your dental implants clean and free from food debris and bacteria.
- Avoid hard and chewy foods. Stick to a soft food diet for the first few weeks after surgery.
- Take your prescribed medication. This will help to reduce pain and swelling.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
Long-term care after a dental implant procedure includes:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to remove bacteria from teeth, just as you would with real teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the implant. A good dental hygiene routine is advised.
- Seeing your implant dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can spot any dental health issues early and treat them before they cause damage to the implant.
- Avoiding the use of tobacco products, as they can cause damage to dental implants.
- Eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary or acidic foods such as soda can cause cavities.
How Do You Clean Your Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a great way to create your brightest smile and gain confidence, but it’s important to take care of them to prevent dental problems down the road. Here are a few tips on how to keep your mouth clean while wearing dental implants:
- A good oral hygiene routine is very important. Brush at least twice daily using either a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Just choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and implant-safe low-abrasive toothpaste. Use gentle brush strokes to avoid putting too much pressure on your gums.
- Be sure to floss daily using an implant-safe dental floss, floss threader, or interdental brush. Be careful not to floss too vigorously around the implant site. A water flosser may also be used.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking, or use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash. This will help remove food particles and plaque from around your teeth implants.
- See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. They will be able to remove any tartar or plaque buildup that you may have missed.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as this can increase the risk of implant failure and could also lead to gum disease.
What Precautions Should You Take With Dental Implants?
While dental implant surgery is typically safe, some potential risks are involved. It’s important to reduce the chances of complications. Remember to take certain precautions to ensure dental implants stay in good condition.
- Refrain from manually adjusting the implant – let a dental health care provider do that.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water several times daily to keep the area clean and free of bacteria.
- Eat healthy foods that are soft on the dental implants to avoid damaging them.
- Avoid physical contact activities such as playing sports to prevent the implants from being jarred loose.
- Check your dental implants regularly for any signs of wear and tear.
- Use non-abrasive cleaning products and brush and floss carefully to avoid damaging dental implants.
Can Dental Implants Get Stained?
Dental implants are made to last a lifetime, but they can still get stained over time. While the titanium implant is not susceptible to staining, the ceramic or porcelain implant crown attached to the implant can become discoloured.
A few things can cause dental implants to become stained, such as smoking, drinking coffee or tea, and eating foods high in pigment.
If you underwent dental implant treatment, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits and to see your dentist regularly for cleanings to maintain dental health. In some cases, dental implants may need to be replaced after a few years due to staining.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are artificial teeth roots placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. They’re becoming a more popular choice for people with tooth loss and broken teeth, and they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, they require special care to function well.
If you’re in the market for dental implant services, be sure to book an appointment with Karrinyup Dental Care. We’ll take care of everything for you, from dental implant placement to restoring your attractive smile. Our team is experienced in providing quality dental implants that will last a lifetime.
So why wait? Contact us today at (08) 9341 6233, and let’s get started on giving you back your beautiful smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term dental treatment option for missing teeth. However, like any dental procedure, there is always a chance that something could go wrong.
The good news is that dental implants have a high success rate, and failures are relatively rare.
There are several reasons why dental implants might fail. Common reasons include:
- Infection:
This can occur if bacteria enter the implant site during oral surgery or if it develops after the implant has been placed. To prevent infection, good oral hygiene is essential. - Failure to fuse:
Another potential problem is that the implant might not fuse properly to the bone. This can happen if the implant is placed in an area with poor blood supply or if the patient doesn’t follow instructions for post-operative care. - Loosening of the implant:
In some cases, the dental implant might come loose over time. If this happens, it will need to be removed and replaced.
Although dental implant failures are not common, it’s important to be aware of the risks before undergoing the surgical procedure. Talk to your dentist about what you can do to minimize your risk of complications.
Unlike dental bridges or dentures, which rest on top of the gums, dental implants are implanted directly into the jawbone, provided there is adequate bone density. This provides a more stable foundation for the replacement teeth, which are then attached to the implants.
Dental implants have many benefits, including improved oral health, increased chewing efficiency, and enhanced dental aesthetics.
Improved Oral Health
Because dental implants fuse directly with the jawbone, they provide support for the adjacent teeth and help to keep the gum tissue healthy. In addition, because dental implants do not rely on dental adhesives, there is no risk of a dental bridge or denture-related tooth decay, thereby promoting good oral health.
Increased Chewing Efficiency
Dental implants allow people to chew their food confidently, unlike dental bridges or dentures, which can slip when eating. With dental implants, you won’t have to deal with loose dentures.
Enhanced Dental Aesthetics
Again, dental implants provide a natural-looking foundation for replacement teeth, unlike dental bridges or dentures, which can give the mouth a “sunken-in” appearance.
Improve Teeth Alignment
In addition, because they provide support for the surrounding teeth and prevent further bone loss, dental implants can help improve the teeth’ overall alignment.
Dental implants have three main parts: the implant, the abutment, and the dental implant crown.
- Implant: The implant is a small metal post inserted into the jawbone.
- Abutment: The abutment is a connector piece that attaches the dental crown to the implant.
- Crown: The dental implant crown is a false tooth made to match the appearance of the patient’s natural teeth. This could either be porcelain or ceramic crown.
