How to Care for Your Dental Implants for Lasting Results

Dental implants are a long-term solution to lost teeth that must be sought without compromising their feel or look, close to a natural smile. Dental implants Mission Viejo are proven to be durable; actual care is necessary to get the most out of your dental implants. Find out how to care for your dental implants so they look the best and work as well as possible.

1. Keep A Regular Oral Hygiene Routine.

Dental implants must be brushed and flossed regularly, like any other natural teeth. What happens is that the plaque and bacteria begin to collect in the area surrounding the implant and the gum line, which leads to gingivitis and could further break away all that stability of the implant. To keep your implants in tip-top condition:

• Brush them regularly twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush so as not to damage the crown of the implant and the gums around it.

• Use non-abrasive toothpaste since abrasive products reduce the surface of the implant.

• Floss daily using implant-friendly floss or interdental brushes. This cleans away particles that regular floss cannot reach easily.

2. Antibacterial Mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash can further minimize bacteria around your implants and in your mouth. Many mouthwashes are available that are gentle on the gums and contain no alcohol, which would dry out the tissues and cause irritation. Oral rinsing with mouthwash once daily, such as at bedtime, might prevent infection and maintain a healthy state for your gums surrounding the implant site.

3. Make Routine Dental Care Visits

Visit your dentist regularly to ensure the maintenance of healthy dental implants. These visits allow your dentist to inspect the implant for signs of wear, inflammation, or infection. Professional cleanings will help remove plaque buildup in areas you may miss when brushing and flossing daily. You should go to your dentist every six months unless he advises you differently based on your particular situation.

4. Avoid Hard And Sticky Foods

The implant is pretty strong, but certain things should be avoided so that it does not get damaged. For example, ice, nuts, or hard candies can chip or crack the implant's crown, while caramel can pull on the crown or even knock it out. Avoiding an overly hard, chewy, or sticky diet will lengthen the life of your implants and keep your smile looking its best.

5. Stop Smoking

Smoking can severely affect the success and longevity of dental implants. Nicotine limits blood flow to the gums, which gradually slows down healing and increases the chances of failure of implants. If you smoke, quitting will be one of the best things that can help in ensuring your good oral health and the long lifespan of your implants.

6. Wear a Night Guard If You Grind Your Teeth

If you grind (this is referred to as bruxism), get a night guard from your dentist. Grinding puts pressure on the implants and, in time, may lead to wear, fracture, or loosening of the implants. A custom-made night guard protects your implants and the rest of your natural teeth as you sleep.

Care of dental implants is relatively simple and not more complicated than your natural teeth. With proper oral hygiene, prevention of damaging habits, and regular schedules of dental checkups with Mission Viejo oral surgeon, you would have the implants securely placed on the gums with a healthy appearance and a good smile for many years. With proper care, dental implants can last lifelong, providing a comfortable, self-assured replacement of lost teeth.