Dental Implant Care: Tips for Looking After Your Implants 

After a very lengthy process and months of waiting, you are finally ready to show the world your new smile. You are the proud owner of dental implants and your teeth have never looked better and healthier. 

But here comes the question: How can you ensure that it will stay like that? 

Here are some tips to follow to take good care of your dental implants. 

Have a Strict Oral Hygiene Routine 

The best way to care for your dental implants is also the simplest: You just need a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine. That's the keyword here: consistent. 

You have to brush and floss your teeth every day without fail. While the dental crown can't get cavities, the metal post is surrounded by your natural tissues. If this gets infected or inflamed, it can affect the health and stability of the entire implant. 

Use the Right Tools

The dental crown part of a dental implant is made of sturdy materials like porcelain. However, porcelain can get scratched faster than natural teeth, so you need to invest in the right tools. 

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your teeth to avoid any damage to your implants. 

You can also use interdental brushes and water flossers to reach hard-to-access areas around the implant, ensuring a thorough cleaning.

Don't Skip Your Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular dental appointments (every six months or so) become even more important when you have a dental implant. The dentist will examine your overall dental health as well as monitor the condition of your implants and the surrounding tissue to ensure everything is in order. They might even recommend getting annual X-rays to examine the bone structure around the implant, helping to catch potential issues early.

On top of that, they will also clean your teeth and remove any plaque and tartar that could potentially damage the implant. This will also help lift some surface stains off your dental crown, helping it maintain its whiteness and brightness. 

Mind Your Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports your overall oral health. But in addition to this, you should also pay more attention to the texture of the food you are eating. For example, it's best to avoid hard and sticky foods since they can cause damage to the implant structure.

As far as beverages go, try to avoid acidic ones since they can wear down the dental crown. You should also drink pigmented drinks through a straw to limit contact with the crown and reduce the risks of staining. 

Avoid Smoking 

Smoking can compromise the osseointegration process (where the bone fuses with the implant) and increase the risk of implant failure. 

Protect Your Implants

Always wear a mouthguard if you do contact sports. And if you grind your teeth, talk with your dentist about getting a custom-made night guard. This will protect your implant and surrounding teeth from excessive wear and tear and damage. 

If you want to learn more about how to take better care of your implants, Dr. Anum Zaidi is here to give you more useful tips. 

Get in touch with Urban Dental Studio to book your appointment.