Dental implants are the golden standard of tooth replacement because they look and function exactly like natural teeth. Once they have been surgically placed and fused to the jawbone, they can bite and chew in exactly the same way as real teeth, a feat that traditional restorations cannot perform. However, also like real teeth, they are not invincible, and the patient’s oral care will largely determine whether they last for a lifetime or a few months. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when caring for dental implants.
What Should I Do When Caring for My Dental Implants?
Here are a few best practices for keeping your new teeth shiny, bright, and healthy:
- Continue the same oral hygiene routine as you should with real teeth. This means brushing at least twice a day while taking care to wait at least thirty minutes after meals. You should gently brush all the surfaces of the teeth and the areas where the implants and gums meet with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric).
- Use a minimally abrasive tartar control toothpaste, making sure it has a seal of approval from the American Dental Association.
- A proper oral hygiene routine includes flossing. Use traditional dental floss, floss picks, or a water flosser to clean debris from between your teeth every day.
- Excellent oral hygiene also includes antibacterial mouthwash. This will help eliminate destructive bacteria as well as provide your mouth with a minty fresh feeling.
- Keep up with your regular dental appointments. These should be twice a year or more if your dentist recommends it.
What Should I Avoid When Caring for My Dental Implants?
Here are some destructive habits that you’ll want to avoid with dental implants:
- Avoid overindulging in sugar. Even though implants are immune to tooth decay, excessive sugar consumption can lead to gum disease that can cause your implants to fail.
- Don’t use toothpaste marketed as having whitening or brightening effects, as well as those with baking soda or activated charcoal. These will be too abrasive for your dental implants.
- Don’t use your teeth for anything but chewing and smiling. This means no opening bottles or packages or using your teeth to pull semi-trucks by a chain at a strongman competition.
- Don’t spit or drink through a straw following implant surgery, as this can disrupt the healing process.
- Don’t immediately resume a normal diet following surgery. Stick to softer foods like soup, yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes, and the like. Avoid acidic foods such as citrus or crunchy foods such as nuts. You can get back to eating steak after your implants have fully healed.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking is one of the most notorious culprits behind implant failure because it causes gum inflammation and inhibits the healing process.
Dental implants are a long-term investment, and they can last for a lifetime with proper care. By sticking to good habits and avoiding the bad ones, you can maximize your return and keep a full smile for decades to come.
About the Practice
Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery attends to patients’ oral surgery needs from locations at Alexandria, Reston, and Burke, VA. Led by a team of five board-certified oral surgeons, the staff is ready and eager to provide the best service available with the latest techniques and technology. Areas of expertise include wisdom teeth extractions, restorative treatments, and dental implants. For more information on keeping your dental implants in working order for the long haul, contact the office online.