While dental implants are intended to be a permanent, natural-looking fix for a missing tooth or teeth, the real success of the long-term use of dental implants depends on more than just getting them placed. As with a real tooth, they need your maintenance and attention to continue providing the same benefits. Capital City Dentistry in Jefferson City, MO, helps our patients understand how to care for and maintain their dental implants so that they can keep their smiles for life. Proper home care and professional care can keep a dental implant comfortable and functional for decades.
Daily Habits For Your Implant
While dental implants cannot get cavities, the gums and bone around them can become unhealthy without daily care. Daily oral hygiene can go a long way towards maintaining the health of your implant.
How You Should Care For Your Implant At Home
- Brush at least two times per day using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Floss around your implant regularly to remove plaque and food particles.
- Use a mouth rinse containing antibacterials if suggested by your provider.
- Keep the adjacent teeth and gums clean as well to promote a healthy mouth.
Your home care regimen will lower inflammation in the tissues that your implant sits on and help to protect the area around the device.
Importance Of Professional Care
Professional check-ups allow us to keep tabs on your dental implant so we can catch problems early if they should arise. Even if you have no discomfort with your implant, you should still go to the dentist.
Why Professional Cleanings & Exams Are Important
- We can assess the stability of your implant and bone around it.
- We can look for gum inflammation or other infection around the implant.
- We can remove buildup and plaque that can occur near the implant that you cannot remove at home.
- We can monitor your bite to ensure your teeth meet properly.
Your visits with us help to maintain both your dental implant and your natural teeth.
Reduce Wear & Tear On Your Implant
Although dental implants can withstand more force than a natural tooth, there is still plenty of wear and tear that the implant can suffer from from daily use and bad habits. Reducing these habits can help keep your implant functioning for a longer time.
How To Protect Your Dental Implant From Stress
- Do not bite on ice or hard candy, or chew on hard objects.
- Avoid opening packages and bottles or containers with your teeth.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, get a nightguard to wear at night.
- If your teeth do not feel right in your bite, have us evaluate your teeth and your bite.
Protecting your dental implant can help to prolong its use and reduce the likelihood of needing to repair or replace the restoration.
Early Signs That Something Might Be Wrong
It is relatively uncommon for dental implants to develop complications, but if problems do arise, the sooner we catch them, the better. Knowing what to look out for can help you take action before a minor problem becomes a more complex issue.
Potential Dental Implant Issues
- Tenderness or soreness around the implant that does not resolve
- Gum inflammation and redness around your implant
- A loose feeling from the implant or the implant restoration
- Difficulty chewing or biting on that side
If you notice any symptoms, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to ensure your implant continues to function properly.
Healthy Tissues Help Support Dental Implants
The health of your gums and bone are crucial to the longevity of your dental implant. Healthy gums and bone will help keep the dental implant in place.
How You Can Help Your Dental Implant
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits at home.
- Get regular cleanings and check-ups to protect your dental implant.
- Avoid tobacco products, which can negatively impact your oral health and healing.
- Have your gum disease and gum infection treated early on.
If the tissues surrounding your dental implant are healthy, your implant can function well for a long time.
How Long Can Dental Implants Last?
The length of time dental implants can last is an important factor for many of our patients. When well-maintained and properly taken care of, the average dental implant can last 25 years to a lifetime.
Dental Implant Longevity
- Daily home oral hygiene
- Regular professional maintenance
- Overall gum and bone health
- Habits such as bruxism
Most people who can properly take care of dental implants find that they have a long lifespan. It is daily care and maintenance that can help protect your dental implants from long-term complications.
Protect Your Dental Implant At
Capital City Dentistry
At Capital City Dentistry, we help our patients maintain dental implants for life. Along with treating your dental implants to restore your smile, our team will work with you to help you keep your dental implants working well. By pairing long-term treatment with preventative care and regular monitoring and cleanings, we help our patients protect their dental implants, so they function as well as they always have. If you would like more information on how we can help you protect your dental implants or would like to schedule an evaluation, please contact our office today in Jefferson City, MO.