How to Care for Your Dental Implants and Make Them Last
If you have invested in dental implants, you understand how important it would be to care for them. When cared for appropriately, research shows that there is a 98% success rate for a twenty year period. The dental implant specialists at Bear River Dental, Dr. Nate Lester and Dr. Hayden Welch, are here to help you understand the importance of proper care for your dental implants. Here’s an overview of how to keep your dental implants healthy and extend their life expectancy:
Brush Regularly—Dental implants require regular brushing habits like natural teeth. These habits are essential to avoid plaque build-up that can damage the surrounding tissue and lead to infection or gum disease. Be sure to brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes at a time—don’t rush it! We always recommend a high quality electric toothbrush such as the Philips Sonicare or Oral-B to maximize the benefits of brushing.
Floss Daily—Flossing is just as important when caring for dental implants as it is with natural teeth. It would be best to floss gently around the implant’s base where it meets the gum line or between the teeth so that all debris is removed. It’s best to use waxed floss that slides easily between the teeth without causing damage or irritation.
Maintain Healthy Eating Habits—A well-rounded diet gives your body the nutrients needed for strong bones and healthy gums.
Strong bones and gums play a vital role in maintaining long-term stability of dental implants. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, including soda, to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Excess sugar can cause decay and weaken the gum support around your dental implant over time. Eat calcium-rich foods like dairy, spinach, almonds, fish, and whole grains to strengthen your bones. Healthy bones help your dental implant stay secure and function properly for many years.
Visit Your Dentist For Regular Checkups—Visit Bear River Dental every six months, or more often if your hygienist recommends it. We monitor changes around existing or new restorations to prevent major problems from developing. During your visits, share any concerns you have about your oral or implant health. Report pain, taste changes, or discoloration near your implant to your dentist right away. These symptoms may indicate infection or a negative reaction requiring immediate dental attention. Seek prompt treatment from your Bear River Dental team to protect your oral health. Regular cleanings help keep your teeth and gums around your implant healthy and strong.
Avoid Smoking—Regularly smoking cigarettes over extended periods of time can cause significant damage to oral health becuase of its negative effects on tissue structures near implants. The damaged tissue can lead to infection around the structure and adjacent structures. Smoking can also weaken immunity levels and cause complications such as periodontitis (gum disease).
Take Medications Appropriately—If you have been prescribed an oral antibiotic by your dentist or doctor, always follow dispensing instructions as given. This includes taking the correct dosage amount, and taking it at the appropriate time intervals. Following instructions carefully can help avoid complications such as adverse reactions or allergies.
Dental Implants in Evanston, WY
Taking good care of your dental implants is essential in ensuring that they last over extended periods of time. Proper dental hygiene also minimizes risks to the health of your implants associated with infection. So, be sure to practice good dental hygiene and stay current on your regular dental checkups.
If you are interested in dental implants, contact Bear River Dental in Evanston, WY, to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
