Dental implants are one of the popular cosmetic dental treatments today because they can replace missing teeth. Implants can also be used to stabilize a denture for more comfort and function.
However, while this treatment may be long-lasting and beneficial, its success hinges on your cooperation to provide it with the best care. To ensure that your implants look good and function well for a long period, there are specific things you need to do to care for them, such as:
Make Sure You Use A Soft Toothbrush
When you get dental implants, you may need to change your toothbrush into something softer. For the best results, choose a nylon toothbrush that comes with pliable bristles and is gentle on the implants. Don’t use brushes that have stiff bristles because they can scratch the surface of your implants—which may then need to be replaced and repaired.
Be Mindful Of Abrasive Products
When buying products for your oral health, don’t get the ones that are too abrasive that can cause you discomfort. That said, avoid products with intense flavors, too—as this can be problematic for the implants as well!
Floss Every Day
Now that you have your dental implants, the more you need to floss more—and that means every day!
There are various types of flosses you can choose from. In fact, you can find ones that are specifically designed for people with dental implants! It would be helpful to set a reminder on your phone so that you won’t forget, and make sure you have it anywhere you go.
If you still feel like it’s a chore, floss while watching TV—it’s all about entertaining yourself while doing something “boring,” after all!
Avoid Sticky Or Hard Food Items
We’re not saying you should eliminate sticky or hard food items from your diet completely, but minimize your consumption of them as much as you can. This is because these can damage your implants and the opposing teeth as well.
Some examples of sticky or hard food items are ice, caramel, hard candies, and dried fruits.
Avoid Alcohol & Smoking
Too much alcohol is bad, but occasional drinking that is done moderately is okay. On the other hand, smoking will not only damage your dental implants, but it has adverse effects on your overall health too.
Let your dental implants be your cue to quit finally. Remember, dental implants take six months to heal, which means that smoking during the healing period can be detrimental to them. Alcohol, on the other hand, can slow down the healing process—which is another reason to lessen your intake as well.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Now that you have your dental implants doesn’t mean you no longer have to visit your dentist. You still have to see your dentist every six months to maintain your oral health. It is advisable to visit the dentist at least twice every year.
Make Your Dental Implants Last
The process of getting dental implants can be a long one, and it’s an investment. Just like your other investments, if you want them to last, you need to take care of them properly. As such, knowing how to care for your dental implants is vital.
Surely, you don’t want to go through the process again; and that will cost you more money. Making an effort to take care of your dental implants and your overall oral health is vital to your overall health.
Are you looking for a dental clinic to provide you with dental implants in Ann Arbor? At the Dental House, we will help transform your smile and improve your oral health. We provide various affordable dental services, from simple cleaning to more extensive surgery. Book an appointment today!