Dental implant procedures for missing teeth are becoming more and more common. Consequently, our Morgan Creek patients frequently ask us about proper dental implant care in order to protect them for as long as possible. We explain to them that the most effective way to take care of their implants is to treat them with the same care as they would their natural teeth. This, of course, demands that you brush and floss them at least twice a day (preferably after every meal) to protect both your implants and gums, which are susceptible to bacterial decay and periodontal disease.
Protecting Your Dental Implants and Gums from Bacteria
The fact that your implants are made of inorganic materials means that you won’t have to deal with pesky cavities. However, you still have to be concerned about gum disease because plaque and calculus can still develop around them. Gum disease can be serious for anyone with dental implants because it can affect the bone fusion process and can result in dental implant failure.
Poor oral hygiene and improper care of your implants may lead to infections underneath your implants called peri-implantitis. This condition can cause your implants to become loose or even possibly fall out. Therefore, proper hygiene and regular visits to your dentist can help you maintain your dental implants in excellent condition for as long as possible.
Simple and Effective Dental Implant Care Advice
At My Dentist at Morgan Creek, our dentists advise patients to care for their dental implants by:
- Brushing their teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste;
- Brushing under and around the implant crown;
- Cleaning hard-to-reach teeth by using nylon coated interdental brushes;
- Flossing daily using unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss prior to brushing;
- Using a Waterpik or oral irrigator to remove as much plaque and food debris as possible;
- Booking checkups every six months; and
- Visiting My Dentist at Morgan Creek when they notice the first sign of a possible infection around their dental implants.
The Importance of Regular Check Ups
After your dental implant procedure, it is important to visit us twice a year, or even sooner when necessary, so we can conduct a quick probe of your implants. We use a special tool to gently look through the gingival sulcus (the tiny fold between your gums and your teeth). By doing so, we can assess the health of your periodontium and the implant. We may also perform a radiographic assessment of your implant health to determine how well your dental implants have integrated into your jawbone.
If necessary, we can also restore your implants. We can remove plaque and calculus deposits using gentle plastic instruments. By adhering to this advice, you will be able to protect your dental implants and maintain them in the best possible condition.
If you have dental implants or are considering having dental implant treatment, book your consultation today with our South Surrey dentists. We look forward to seeing you in order to provide you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve!
