Dental implant maintenance is the key to continued oral health
A dental implant is an investment in your smile that can last a lifetime with proper care. Regular cleanings by a professional and good oral hygiene will allow you to take care of your dental implants.
Why you should practice good dental implant maintenance
The main reason patients need implants is gum disease, so it is necessary to make good dental hygiene a habit.
Bad oral hygiene and avoiding dental implant maintenance can lead to dental implant failure and continuation of periodontitis, which is why it is necessary to follow all your periodontist’s instructions.
Consequences of bad oral hygiene include gum disease, swelling, inflammation, loose teeth, pain, bleeding during brushing and flossing, bad breath, and more. Dental implants are a solution to stop the progression to gum disease, so taking care of them should be your priority!
Tips for Dental Implant Maintenance
Your implants can last a lifetime and act just like a natural tooth. Dr. Warren and our team at Bellaire Periodontics will discuss special care instructions with you to help keep your gums healthy and your dental implants in top condition.
Here are some of our tips:
Good oral hygiene: Brush and floss twice a day.
Use mouthwash: Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash recommended by your specialist.
Attend your regular cleanings: Your dental implants need the same care as your teeth. Our hygienist uses special techniques to remove plaque below the gumline to avoid infection.
Schedule routine checkups: Implants should be monitored by your periodontist and hygienist to ensure proper function. Routine checkups include measuring your gum depth, deep cleanings in hard to reach areas and educating you on the best care practices.
Preventative X-rays: X-rays help implant specialists know your implants are in place and working properly.
Be observant and pay attention: It is important to let us know of any discomfort in the gum tissue.
Be careful with hot beverages, hard foods, sticky foods and ice.
Enjoy your dental implants: Practice makes perfect! By making proper dental implant maintenance part of your schedule, you will learn how to love maintaining implants and it will eventually become part of your routine.
Conclusion
If you would like to achieve great periodontal health, please call us at (713) 636-9734 to schedule an appointment. At Bellaire Periodontics, Dr. Sharon Minott-Warren and our team specializes in helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.