As you might know, dental implants are highly effective. Their success rate is over 95%, even ten years after placement. Still, the reality is that you need to care for dental implants. They’ll fail early and need replacement otherwise, both of which cost you time and money. Luckily, your Charlottesville dentist can help you with this regular maintenance. Read on to learn the dos and don’ts of implant care, as well as dental implants’ benefits.
What are the “Do’s” of Dental Implant Care?
To ensure implants last, there are various things you should do for them. These include the following:
- “Do” brush your implants twice daily – Implants don’t get cavities, but you should still brush them twice a day. Doing so keeps stain agents from discoloring your new teeth. The habit also prevents gum disease that might trigger implant failure.
- “Do” use regular toothpaste – Only use standard toothpaste brands on your implants. These kinds aren’t abrasive and will keep surrounding teeth and gums healthy.
- “Do” rinse with mouthwash – Rinse with mouthwash often, as it’ll reduce your oral inflammation.
- “Do” see your dentist often – You can prevent oral issues early by seeing a dentist for checkups and cleanings. From there, you’ll stop potential threats to your implants.
What are the “Don’ts” of Dental Implant Care?
Just as implant care has its “dos,” it also has several “don’ts.” The rules of this latter category are:
- “Don’t” use ‘whitening’ toothpaste – Refrain from using whitening toothpaste, as its abrasiveness can damage implants.
- “Don’t” employ your teeth as tools – As with regular teeth, opening packages or bottles with implants can chip them.
- “Don’t” rush back to eating normal foods – For a couple of days after implant surgery, you’ll want to follow a soft-food diet. (Items to include are soup, yogurt, pudding, etc.) Anything else would disrupt the healing process.
- “Don’t” drink through straws after surgery – If you try drinking through a straw soon after implant surgery, you’ll dislodge your blood clot and suffer a dry socket.
What are Dental Implants’ Benefits?
At first, implants’ “dos” and “don’ts” can seem tedious. However, following them means you’ll experience your new teeth’s benefits.
For starters, implants look and act like natural teeth. Their porcelain surfaces ensure they blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Also, their titanium bases let them fuse with your jawbone so they won’t slip or fall.
Furthermore, implant care allows implants to last a very long time. Even an average one has a lifespan of 15-20 years. Meanwhile, those with proper maintenance can last for 30 years or more!
As you can see, learning how to care for implants is crucial. That said, practice the tips above to make your newly restored smile long-lasting.
About the Author
Dr. Hal M. Lippard is a dentist based in Charlottesville, VA. Having earned his DDS from the University of Tennessee’s College of Dentistry, he’s versed in comprehensive dental care. His specialties thus include (but are not limited to) prosthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. Naturally, he and his team offer effective dental implants and other restorations. Dr. Lippard currently practices at his self-titled clinic, and he’s reachable via his website and by phone at (434)-293-9311.