Dental implants are becoming a very common treatment option for replacing missing or damaged teeth among adults. Roughly 3 million Americans have dental implants and that number is growing every year.
If you are about to be one of this growing number or if you are a recent addition to the group, you should be excited. You have taken the first step to a beautiful smile, but now there are a few more things to do to ensure that your stunning smile stays that way as long as possible.
Your restorative dental care starts as soon as you walk out of the dentist's office, but what can you do to take care of your new implant? These are the things you need to do to keep that smile as good as when you got it with new dental implants.
After you get your implants, you may need to switch toothbrushes. A nylon brush has bristles that are more pliable and gentle on your new implants. A brush with hard bristles can scratch the surface of your implants. Also, be sure to avoid any metal instruments as they can damage the implants as well.
Over 3 out of 4 Americans do not floss as often as they should. If you are one of these numbers, you may have to change your habits after you get your implants. Plaque can easily accumulate around your implants, which can lead to many other oral health issues later on.
There are many types of flosses made specifically for people with dental implants, so you can find the one you need for yourself. If you have trouble remembering to floss, here are a few helpful tips:
Whether it’s toothpaste, mouthwash, or a cleaning tool, there are plenty of products for oral hygiene that are abrasive in nature. These can cause discomfort around new implants. Stick to sensitive cleansing products and try to avoid products with strong flavors, like mint or cinnamon, as much as possible.
Hard and sticky foods can cause damage to the implants as well as the surrounding teeth by causing the implant to move slightly in the mouth.
This is good advice for your general health, but smoking and consuming alcohol has been shown to slow the healing process.
Like with any dental procedure, your dentist will be the best choice for the aftercare as well. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year can help your implants last a lifetime.
If you have any questions regarding dental implants or aftercare, get in touch with Dr. Carly Cassleman and her team at St. Clair Tooth Co., or book an appointment for a consultation.
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