Top Tips For Dental Implant Maintenance
Caring for dental implants is very similar to maintaining natural teeth. You’ll have to brush and floss at least twice a day, which ensures there’s no buildup of plaque. It’s also crucial to clean the implants after eating, as particles of food can get lodged between the tooth and gum and cause irritation. So, today we’re going to go over top tips to maintain your new dental implants.
Firstly, we need to understand the basics. Dental implants are essentially pieces of titanium metal that are surgically implanted into the jawbone, just beneath the gums. Once the bone has healed, and the metal rod is firmly in place, a synthetic tooth is placed over the top and is virtually undetectable.
Are They The Same As Dentures?
No. Dentures can be easily removed at the end of the day, while implants are permanently fused to the bone. Dentures tend to be very affordable, and they used to be very popular, especially during the first half of the 20th century. Meanwhile, implants are rather expensive, and the entire process can sometimes take a few months (or years depending on the case). Implant procedures have only really become popular over the course of the last 30 years, as the technology and dental expertise did not exist before.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Care Of Your Implant?
As mentioned earlier, it’s imperative to brush and floss your dental implants twice a day to ensure there’s no buildup of plaque. Most professionals recommend using an electric or manual toothbrush with regular floss while making sure to be thorough but gentle. But many individuals get lazy and fail to properly maintain their new teeth. The first warning signs usually manifest in the form of minor bleeding, which means you most likely have peri-implant mucositis.
Peri-implant mucositis means the mucous membranes around the implant becomes swollen and inflamed. Sometimes, the area can ulcerate and require emergency surgery if the pain is extreme. This can progress to peri-implantitis, which also affects the bone around the implant. Bone loss can ensue and this can seriously affect the stability of the implant and the long-term prognosis.
Other common cases involve plaque hardening and becoming calcified, which turns into tartar and creates an excess buildup that can cause painful gum infections. Your periodontist will have to go in and remove the tartar and then prescribe a round of antibiotics to get rid of the infection.
Regular Checkups
It’s important to visit your oral health care professional every few months for a proper cleaning. These visits will also involve an X-ray to keep an eye out on the state of the jawbone and see if there are any issues. If you feel like an implant is becoming loose, it’s crucial to visit the periodontist immediately.
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in the near future, consult LESPARODONTISTES. With multiple offices across the Greater Montreal region, these professionals can handle any case and can create a proper plan of action.