How to Clean Dental Implants – Care for Implants

Care for Implants

Dental issues may be common, but for the most part, preserving your healthy, natural teeth is often as simple as sticking to good hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. This goes for you care of implants also. As dental issues develop, however, that process can become more complicated, especially if you have a restoration placed on one or more of your teeth. In the case of tooth loss, one of the biggest benefits of replacing it with a dental implant is that implant restoration closely mimics your natural tooth, complete with a root and all. In addition to the benefits this provides your long-term oral health, it also means that you don’t have to make drastic changes to your hygiene routine to effectively care for your dental implant.

Everyday hygiene is still a very important part of care for implants

Just because you’ve replaced a lost tooth with a lifelike dental implant doesn’t mean that your smile will forever be safe from further complications. It is important to learn to properly care for implants. Preventing more dental issues from developing and ensuring your implant’s success still requires a consistently good hygiene routine. The good thing about dental implant restorations, which are supported by posts that are inserted into your jawbone (like teeth roots), is that you can effectively care for them just as you do your teeth—by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once. This will keep your teeth and implant restoration clean and free of harmful oral bacteria, which form plaque to stick to your teeth and gums.

How Do I Clean Dental Implants?

Dental implants should be treated just like real teeth. Since they are permanently fixed in your mouth, you do not remove them for cleaning as you would with dentures. Instead, you brush and floss implants with the rest of your teeth. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen is important for keeping your natural teeth and implants healthy.

If you have experienced tooth loss and would like to schedule a consultation with our compassionate staff at our Chicago dentist office, contact Lake Forest Dental Arts today at (847) 234-0517. Dr. Fondriest can answer any questions you have and assess which tooth replacement method is best for your individual needs.

The Issues that Could Threaten Your Implants

More good news is that your implant restoration will never develop a cavity. Tooth decay targets healthy tooth structure; the porcelain of your new tooth is impervious to it. However, the implant post that rests in your jawbone can still be compromised by the development of gum disease, which also forms from oral bacteria and attacks your gums and jawbone.

A recent research study has shown a connection between a popular anti-depressant and the failure of dental implants. It is important to review all medical issues such as diabetes and bisphosphanate use that might affect host resistance to bacteria. Peri-implant disease is mediated by bacteria and is like gum disease on implants. Other issues that could threaten your implant include bruxism (constant teeth-grinding) and TMJ disorder. Therefore, visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is also vital to making your dental implant last for life.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can be permanent if taken care of. The titanium rod is implanted into your jawbone. Eventually, your bone with naturally fuse with the titanium rod so that your implants stay securely in place. With routine checkups and proper good hygiene care, dental implants can last a lifetime!

There are common mistakes that are made when planning for implants. It is good to consider a another opinion when planning any significant treatment.

Learn How to Properly Care for Implants

As children, losing a tooth is an exciting experience. We anxiously await the visit from the tooth fairy in hopes of a large sum of money being placed under our pillows. In a way, losing that first tooth in childhood is like a rite of passage. Sadly, tooth loss in adulthood rarely produces a euphoric anticipation of receiving money.

Because they closely mimic their design and structures, dental implants are typically as easy to care for, and as long-lasting, as your healthy and natural teeth. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling at 847-234-0517. We also proudly serve residents of Chicago and all surrounding communities in the Chicago Metro area.