With proper maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Fortunately, proper maintenance is easy. It’s basically the same as for your natural teeth, with a few minor adjustments. Basically, you have to brush, floss, and make your regular dental appointments. Just follow those simple steps and most of the time your dental implants should last 20, 30 years or more.
If you would like to learn more about the proper care and maintenance of dental implants, please call (02) 9686 7375 today for an appointment with a Sydney implant dentist at My Hills Dentist in Baulkham Hills, NSW.
Daily Care
Typically, daily care is the same for dental implants as for natural teeth. If you brush twice a day and floss your teeth, you should be fine. Most dental implants are topped with crowns or bridges that you don’t have to remove for cleaning (in fact, you can’t remove them).
Brush with a toothpaste that is not abrasive as this can scratch the crowns, causing them to stain. Use a gentle touch when brushing and don’t brush too often because this can damage not only the implant, but also the gum tissue around the implant.
Flossing your implant restorations may be a challenge sometimes depending on the configuration. We may recommend interdental cleaners, water cleaner, mouthwash, or other tools if you are having difficulty.
Regular Checkups
Regular checkups are just as important for your dental implants as for your natural teeth. Although dental implants can’t develop cavities, they are more vulnerable to infection around the root, called peri-implantitis.
Make sure that you tell your dentist and hygienist that you have dental implants. It’s not always easy for them to tell, and it’s best to make sure they know before they start working so you can avoid damage.
Watch for Complications
Although implants have a very high success and survival rate (nearly 95% last about 20 years or more), complications can develop on occasion. The sooner you notice complications and get treatment, the more likely that we can save your implants.
Natural teeth can have some movement in them, but your dental implant shouldn’t move. Don’t intentionally push, pull, or twist your implant, but if you notice movement in your implant, contact your dentist.
Also watch out for redness, swelling, or receding gums around the implant. If you experience pain in your implant, it’s important to contact your dentist right away.
Avoid Habits That Can Damage Implants
To help your dental implants last a lifetime, it’s important to watch out for habits that can damage your dental implants.
Smoking and other tobacco use can impair bone healing, increase your risk for gum disease, and increase the risk that your dental implants will fail.
Dental implants may seem sturdy, and knowing they are made of titanium you might be tempted to use your dental implants in ways you wouldn’t use your natural teeth. But the same things that could damage your teeth can damage your implants. Don’t use your teeth as tools like scissors, pliers, bottle openers, or nutcrackers.
Avoid nervous chewing on nonfoods. Biting on fingernails, pen lids, skin, and other objects can damage your implants. Clenching and grinding your teeth can also damage your implants.
If you have questions about dental implant maintenance or want to get your dental implants in
Sydney, please call (02) 9686 7375 today for an appointment at My Hills Dentist in Baulkham Hills, NSW.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
