A dental implant is a very unique form of tooth replacement. They don’t rely on crowns or suction, instead they are placed into the jawbone, where they act like natural teeth. With the proper care and attention, you can even expect them to last a lifetime. However, what should you do to care for your new teeth? How do you maintain your new implants?
5 Tips for Maintaining Your Implants
- Brush daily: Just like your natural teeth, dental implants stay strong and last longer when they’re protected from plaque buildup. You should brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and then again before going to bed. Each session should last two minutes and reach every available surface of the tooth. We recommend a toothbrush with soft bristles, as hard bristles could potentially damage the enamel on your natural teeth.
- Always floss: You should floss once a day as well. Flossing removes food caught between the teeth, which could be broken down and lead to plaque buildup. Over time, plaque can irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis. Without treatment, gingivitis can lead to gum disease, which threatens the stability of your new replacement tooth.
- Attend checkups: Every six months you should see the dentist for a checkup. The doctor can monitor your new teeth and examine the rest of your smile for warning signs of potential problems, treating them before they can endanger the health and stability of your new tooth.
- Have your teeth cleaned: A cleaning once every six months can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease, further protecting your new tooth. In addition, cleanings help freshen breath and keep the rest of your smile bright and healthy.
- Stop smoking: When you smoke, you increase the risk of periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. This stage of the disease can cause the connective tissues between the teeth and gums to dissolve, leading to tooth loss and implant failure.
