Dental Implant Maintenance Dental implants are an extraordinary way to restore your smile by replacing your missing natural teeth with implanted teeth that mimic your natural teeth beautifully. Now that you have your new dental implants, you need to understand how to care for them so that they will be with you for life. Here is some information about dental implant maintenance from Durham Prosthodontics. Your New ImplantsIf these are your first dental implants, congratulations! You are on the cutting edge of dental technology. For centuries, people have been looking for a way to restore missing teeth that have fallen out due to illness or injury. Many substitutes for teeth have been used over the years, such as wooden dentures, animal teeth, and gold teeth. However, using dental implants for tooth replacement is a game changer. Dental Hygiene Tips for ImplantsWhile dental implants are an amazing piece of restorative dentistry, they have to be cared for. Here are some oral health tips to keep your implant in fantastic shape. BrushingOne of the most essential pieces of any dental maintenance routine is tooth brushing. You may think you do not have to brush an implant, but the opposite is true. You will need to brush your implant in the same manner as you would your natural teeth. The tooth our dentist implanted is made from porcelain, which closely resembles the enamel of your natural teeth, and, like natural teeth, it can dull and become stained. Brush your implanted teeth and your natural teeth with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste at least twice daily. You can use the same toothbrushing method that you have for your natural teeth. Be sure to clean around your gumline. Flossing daily is also an important part of your oral hygiene routine. Dental ExaminationsAnother critical component for your optimum dental health with dental implants is your twice-yearly dental exams. Our dental team will check on your teeth, clean and polish them, and ensure everything is going well with your new implant. Dental examinations are crucial for implants and natural teeth. If you are having a problem with an implanted tooth, a natural tooth, your gums, or other mouth structures, our dentist will notice it and begin treatment. Check for Warning SignsDental implants have been amazingly successful. The American Dental Association estimates that the implant failure rate for patients is less than five percent. You can help your implanted teeth continue to function well by staying alert for warning signs that there is a problem with your implant. Dental implants will give you clues that may indicate an issue. First, you may have a sudden increase in pain or discomfort around the implanted tooth. Pain is often an indicator that something is wrong, especially if it worsens over time. Also, your dental implant may feel as though it is loose and moving around, which could indicate an issue with your implant post. The gum area around your implant might look red, discolored, or swollen. If your implanted tooth bleeds when you touch it, or you are noticing blood in your mouth during meals, this is a warning sign as well. Let Us Help You Maintain Your Dental ImplantsIf you continue to excel at good oral hygiene and come in for your dental visits twice each year, your chances of maintaining your healthy smile full of natural and implanted teeth will increase. Do you need dental implants or implant maintenance? We can help. Give Durham Prosthodontics a call today at (984) 312-7056 to schedule an appointment with our dentist. |
Contact Information3709 University Dr Suite D Durham, NC 27707-6224 (984) 312-7056 info@mydurhamdentist.com Follow Us |
