Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore your smile if you have missing teeth. Today’s implant designs offer a durable and long-lasting solution that looks and feels more like natural teeth than any other type of restoration available. However, just like natural teeth, dental implants require regular care and maintenance to ensure they stay healthy and functional for years to come. Understanding the best long-term maintenance needs for your implants can help your investment last as long as a lifetime!
How to Care for Dental Implants Each Day
Caring for dental implants is similar to a typical oral hygiene routine for natural teeth. You’ll need to brush and floss your implants every day to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease and implant failure. Even though implants don’t get cavities, the gums and bones around them can get infected if there’s buildup. That means you’ll still need to have a toothbrush and floss (or water flosser) on hand.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth and implants twice a day. Make sure to clean around the implant crown and the surrounding gum tissue thoroughly. You can use interdental brushes for wider spaces or a water flosser to clean between your implants and natural teeth. Floss threaders also come in handy for fixed appliances like bridges or “All-on-4” treatments. Our Kearny Mesa dental hygienists can show you exactly how to clean around the unique type of restorations you have.
How to Maintain Dental Implants Long-Term (Regular Checkups)
Even with proper daily care, dental implants still require regular checkups with our dentist in Kearny Mesa to ensure they are functioning correctly. During these checkups, we will examine your implants, check for any signs of gum disease, and take X-rays to evaluate the bone structure around the implant. Regular checkups can help detect any issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and a better chance of successful implant maintenance. Our hygienists will also carefully clean around your implants and polish your smile to leave it fresher and brighter than before.
Should You Floss Around Dental Implants?
Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene, but many people are unsure if they should floss around their dental implants. The answer is yes! Flossing around your implants is crucial to remove plaque and bacteria from the gum line, which can cause inflammation and lead to periodontitis (the implant form of gum disease.) You can use traditional dental floss, tufted super floss, or a water flosser to clean around your implants. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque before it calcifies.
Types of Oral Hygiene Products to Use on Implants
When it comes to dental implant care, you can use the same oral hygiene products that you would on your other teeth. Only make sure to look for toothpaste and mouthwash free of harsh abrasives or alcohol, which can scratch your implants or dry out your gum tissues. We usually recommend an electric toothbrush since it can provide a more thorough cleaning than manual brushes usually do. Water flossers can also be an effective tool for cleaning around your implants, especially if you have multi-tooth restorations.
Routine Dental Implant Maintenance Needs
In addition to daily care and regular checkups, routine maintenance may be needed for your dental implants. For example, if you have a removable overdenture, the locators that help hold the “clip-in” devices may gradually wear out and need to be replaced. Or if you’re a heavy teeth grinder, ceramic or porcelain restorations could wear down and need updating.
Dental Implants in San Diego
If you are considering dental implants in San Diego , Landmark Dental Arts is here to help. Our experienced dental team offers comprehensive implant services, including implant placement, restoration, and maintenance. We use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure a comfortable and successful implant experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our dental implant services.