Dental implants have become a popular treatment for replacing missing teeth but those with implants must take proper care of them in order to protect them and keep them healthy for as long as possible. Taking care of your dental implants is no different than the dental care routine for protecting your natural teeth. This means that you must brush and floss them at least twice a day, ideally after every meal to protect both your implants and gums. However, to protect your dental implants more effectively and minimize the possibility of Peri-Implantitis, it is also a good idea to use interdental brushes. Proper dental care is imperative since it can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial decay and periodontal disease which can cause implant failure.
Protect Your Dental Implants and Gums from Bacteria
Dental implants are not susceptible to cavities but you still have to be concerned about gum disease because plaque and calculus can still develop around them. Gum disease is an issue everyone should try to avoid but if you have implants, gum disease can be much more serious because it can affect the bone fusion process and can result in dental implant failure.
If you do not take adequate care of your dental implants, you may experience infections underneath your implants called peri-implantitis. This condition can cause your implants to become loose or even possibly fall out. Consequently, by practicing proper hygiene and visiting your dentist and/or every six months, and following his/her treatment recommendations, you will be able to maintain your dental implants healthy for many years to come.
Easy to Follow Dental Implant Care Advice
At Langley Dental Centre, our dentists advise dental implants patients to adhere to the following to keep their implants healthy and infection-free:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste;
- Brush under and around the implant crown;
- Clean hard-to-reach teeth by using nylon coated interdental brushes;
- Floss after meals using unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss before you brush your teeth;
- It is recommended to use a Waterpik or oral irrigator to remove the maximum amount of plaque and food debris;
- Book dental / implant checkups every six months; and
- Visit Langley Dental Centre when you notice the first sign of a possible infection or bleeding around your dental implants.
Bi-Annual Scheduled Check-Ups
Visiting your dental implant provider at least twice a year for a check-up is a vital part of maintaining your dental implants healthy. At Langley Dental Centre, our dentists conduct a quick probe of your implants using special tools to gently look through the gingival sulcus (the tiny fold between your gums and your teeth). This is done to evaluate the health of your periodontium and the implant. Our dentists may also perform a radiographic assessment of your implant health to determine how well your dental implants have integrated into your jawbone.
If there are any issues our dentist can also restore your implant’s health. Plaque and calculus deposits are also removed using gentle plastic instruments. By following your dentist’s advice, you can protect your dental implants and enjoy them for a lifetime.
If you have dental implants or are considering having dental implant treatment, book your consultation today with our Langley dentists. We look forward to seeing you in order to provide you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve!
