Why an Experienced Implant Dentist Wants You to Care for Your Dental Implants

Talk to an experienced implant dentist and they will tell you how important it is to take good care of your dental implants. Implants are a great solution for anyone who has lost one or more teeth, and they can last an entire lifetime with good oral hygiene.

An experienced implant dentist explains the importance of caring for dental implants

Most people are glad to find out that implants do not require any special care, so taking proper care of them does not take much additional effort. Keeping dental implants clean is a lot like cleaning one's natural teeth. The implants need to be kept clean of plaque (which causes tooth decay and gum disease) by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. It is best to clean teeth after meals to remove food particles that are stuck on the teeth and interdental spaces. People with implants should make sure that they clean all sides of the restoration during brushing sessions.

Tools patients will need to keep their dental implants clean include:

• A soft-bristled toothbrush
• A quality toothpaste with tartar control
• Dental floss to clean around the abutment

An experienced implant dentist might also provide the patient with additional cleaning aids such as:

• Disclosing tablets that stain areas on teeth where plaque has accumulated
• An antibacterial mouth rinse
• Inter-dental brushes to help with cleaning the sides of the implant

In addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home, regular visits to the dentist are also essential. Patients should aim to see a dentist at least twice a year for an examination and teeth cleaning. The implants should be examined once each year with x-ray images.

The results of not properly caring for implants

Implants can develop complications when the patient does not practice good oral hygiene. The most common sign that there is something wrong with dental implants is blood coming from around the restoration. This is known as mucositis and it can be reversed when caught early.

Failing to treat mucositis can lead to bone loss known as peri-implantitis. This is a non-reversible condition that can lead to more advanced bone tissue loss, leading to the need for removal of the implant. The best way to ensure implants are in good condition is by getting them checked by a dentist regularly.

Benefits of taking good care of dental implants

Patients who take good care of their implants get to enjoy benefits such as:

• An artificial tooth that can last a lifetime
• Preserved jawbone tissue
• An artificial tooth that looks and feels natural
• Their remaining teeth stay properly aligned

Get more tips from our dentist

Dental implants are one of the more popular ways to replace missing teeth and they will last a long time if you follow the tips listed above. Call or visit our San Diego clinic today for more tips on how to properly take care of your dental implants.

Request an appointment here: https://www.missionvalleydentalarts.com or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at (619) 805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.

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