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How to Care for Your Dental Implants

December 1, 2020
When caring for your dental implants keep in mind that it is very similar to caring for your natural teeth. You should keep your dental implants clean and plaque-free by brushing and flossing them twice a day and cleaning after meals with gentle brushing. When brushing, be sure to give special attention to each side of the dental implant.

Importance of Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

In addition to remaining committed to your daily oral hygiene, you also need to stay committed to regular visits to your dentist. You should see your dentist every three to six months to have a professional exam and teeth cleaning.

cleaning your dental implants

During the exam, your dentist will check for
looseness, check your bite, and make sure that all your dental implant components are functioning properly.
Your dental implants also need to be examined with an x-ray every year to ensure there are no issues.

Tips for Caring for Your Dental Implants

Don’t Use Abrasive Products

From toothpaste to mouthwash, you will want to use sensitive products as much as you can after you get your dental implants. Abrasive products can cause extreme discomfort. You will also want to avoid products with flavors like mint or cinnamon, which can also cause discomfort.

Floss Every Day

Flossing is extremely important, especially with dental implants. Plaque can accumulate easily on your implants leading to other oral health issues. When browsing the store for floss, you will find a variety of options available that are made specifically for dental implants.
Do you have trouble flossing? Follow these tips:
  • Keep floss in your purse or car so you can use your downtime to floss.
  • Set a reminder to floss so you can stay on track.
  • Floss while watching tv or doing other mindless tasks.
  • Purchase a Waterpik to make flossing easier.

Use a Soft Nylon Brush

After you get dental implants, it is important to use a soft nylon brush that will be gentle on your dental implants. You will want to avoid brushes that have hard bristles. The hard bristles can scratch the surface of your dental implants. You also need to avoid using any type of metal instruments to clean your dental implants.

What are the Consequences of Not Caring for Your Dental Implants?

With proper daily care of your dental implants, there are a variety of problems you can develop. One early sign of that there is an issue with your de4ntal implants is bleeding, also known as mucositis. Evidence suggests this may be able to be treated and successfully reversed if it is caught early.
If it is not caught early enough, it can progress to bone loss, also called peri-implantitis, which is irreversible. Without treatment, peri-implantitis can cause advanced bone loss and will result in the removal of the implant.

Want to Learn More About Dental Implants?

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants and want to see if you are a candidate for the procedure, be sure to choose the top oral surgeon in Wexford at Bamonte Oral Surgery. Contact us today to being your journey to the smile of your dreams!
Dr. John Bamonte
Meet | + posts

Dr. John A. Bamonte, a native of the Pittsburgh area, is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and finished in the top 10 of his class in 1984 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. Through 1985, Dr. Bamonte practiced general dentistry with his father in Natrona Heights and concurrently earned a Master of Science degree in Anatomy/Histology at the University of Pittsburgh.