Dental implants are a common dental treatment used to replace missing teeth. In fact, more than 3 million Americans have dental implants. This is because the treatment option is safe, effective, and offers a number of benefits. Dental implants are a long-lasting treatment option. To ensure your implants last, consider how to care for dental implants. The following tips can help keep your dental implants and oral health in good shape for the long run.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants can replace one of your missing teeth, in addition to stabilizing your dentures for optimal comfort and function. Caring for dental implants in both cases is necessary to reduce harmful bacteria and plaque in your mouth. This is because they can cause serious oral health issues, including an infection or peri-implantitis. Below you will find how to care for your dental implants to ensure they last.
Single Implants
A single dental implant involves the placement of a titanium post into the jawbone. A dental crown is then placed on top of the titanium post. This replacement restores the function and appearance of your natural tooth. Consider the following tips for how to care for your single dental implant.
Oral Care Routine:
It is important to brush your teeth and implant with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day. This includes gently brushing under and around the implant crown. It is even more beneficial to brush every time after you eat to prevent harmful dental issues.
Flossing:
Brushing is highly effective in cleaning the surface areas of your teeth. However, it can often miss the hard-to-reach places that can harbor leftover food debris and harmful bacteria. Floss with unwaxed or implant-specific floss at least once a day. It’s also beneficial to use an interdental brush to clean around your dental implant crown. An oral irrigator can also be highly beneficial in thoroughly cleaning your teeth.
Dental Products:
Abrasive toothpaste can impact your dental implant crown. This is because it can cause excessive wear and tear on the surface of the crown. Choose low-abrasive toothpaste to ensure your crown lasts. Talk with your periodontist Dr. Kao about which products are right for you.
Overdentures
Overdentures are a type of dentures that are supported by dental implants. It involves placing two or more dental implants into the jaw. The dentures are then placed over the top of the implants. This provides more stability. Consider the following tips for how to care for overdentures.
Denture Cleaning:
Cleaning and soaking your dentures daily is necessary to ensure the health of your gums and any natural teeth that remain. Clean your dentures with a denture brush and soak in products that are specifically meant for your dentures. This can ensure the longevity of your dentures and avoid unnecessary damage.
Oral Care:
No matter if you have any remaining natural teeth or not, it’s important to clean your tongue and gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your remaining teeth, gums, and your tongue. Each can harbor harmful bacteria that can impact your oral health. Once you are done with your oral care routine, be sure and rinse your overdenture thoroughly before placing it back into your mouth.
Check O-Rings and Locater Caps:
O-rings and locator caps are integral pieces of your dental implants that provide stability and security for overdentures. They also allow for easy removal and insertion of your dentures. Talk with your dental implants specialist about how often you should replace them. If they go missing, be sure and alert your periodontist right away as they need to be replaced.
