Dental Implant Care: Tips To Keep Your Implant Safe

Posted on: 23 November 2015

If your dentist has suggested that you get a dental implant to replace a lost tooth, its important that you understand what having an implant means for your future care. Since dental implants involve inserting a post into your jawbone, it is in your best interest to take the best possible care of it to avoid having to inflict further trauma to the area. Here are some tips you should know about taking care of dental implants to get the longest possible life from them.

The Basics of Dental Implant Care

Most dental implants are crafted to hold up to the same types of demands that your natural teeth will. Like your natural teeth, though, they aren't invincible. When it comes to the best general care for your implant, you'll want to treat it the same way that you treat your natural teeth. Keep the implant brushed and clean, floss regularly and schedule routine dental visits. Your dentist will make sure that the implant is healthy, stable and clean. Although the crown over a dental implant isn't susceptible to the same type of decay as natural tooth enamel, you can get debris accumulated under the edge of the crown if you don't keep it clean. That debris can cause gum irritation and sometimes gum disease.

Other Tips to Improve Your Chances of Success

Your daily activities, actions and behaviors will all contribute to the lifespan of your implant. Taking proper care of your general health, including eating a balanced diet and staying on top of caring for your gums and teeth, will help your body to accept the implant more easily. Just like with any implant, there is a risk of rejection, and while these steps will give you the best possible chance to avoid it, you should understand that it is possible.

Periodontal disease can lead to a failed dental implants as well. If you're at risk for this disease or you already have some symptoms, you'll need to talk to your dentist. He or she may want to treat your gums before completing the implant surgery.

Finally, skip the ice cubes when you're looking for something to chew on. By avoiding anything hard like this, you'll reduce the chances of cracking the crown. Your dentist may also suggest other foods to avoid, including taffy and sticky foods. Additionally, make sure that you always wear mouth protection if you play sports. Click here for more information.

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After a numerous visits to the dentist to fix my cavities, I am proud to say that I'm officially tooth decay free. I used to be a slacker when it came to brushing and flossing my teeth. But after almost losing my teeth to bad cavities and a major gum disease scare, I changed my oral hygiene habits for good. I now feel better about my appearance because I pay more attention to my dental care. I even make it to my dental appointments without numerous reminders from my dentist. If you have bad cavities and fear losing your teeth, read through my blog. It'll give you valuable tips to help you stay cavity-free.