Dental implants are a treatment designed to replace missing teeth. Implants use small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone. The bone fuses to the posts as you heal, turning them into stable roots that are then used to provide support for your replacement teeth. At Ford Dental Group, we provide dental implants to meet many different needs. Implants have quickly gained popularity, providing numerous benefits over traditional bridges and dentures. While implants do not require the same maintenance as dentures, they still need to be taken care of properly to ensure that they provide optimal functioning.
Why Is Implant Maintenance So Important?
Taking care of your dental implants is essential. Your replacement teeth are made from ceramic. While this material cannot decay, it can still easily collect plaque and bacteria, both of which can contribute to the decay of adjacent teeth as well as gum disease. If gum disease develops, your gums can begin to pull away from your teeth, as well as your replacement teeth. This leads to the formation of periodontal pockets, which can collect more plaque and bacteria. Eventually, the bacteria under the gum line can begin to attack your jawbone, causing it to weaken. When this happens, the stability of your implants becomes compromised, leaving you susceptible to implant failure.
Taking Care Of Your Implants At Home
Like taking care of your natural teeth, caring for your implants takes place mainly at home. Your implants can be brushed and flossed exactly like your real teeth. You should brush your teeth, and your implants, at least twice a day, making sure to clean every surface. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes. You should brush for at least two full minutes.
Flossing should be done at least once a day. Take about 18 inches of floss and wind it around your middle fingers, leaving at least one to two inches open. Gently work the floss back and forth to get it between your teeth. Scrape up and down the sides of each tooth. Do not forget to floss behind your very back teeth as well. If you cannot use regular floss, floss picks provide a suitable alternative. When you have finished cleaning your teeth, mouthwash can be helpful for helping to remove any lingering debris and kill any remaining bacteria.
Professional Care For Implants
In addition to taking care of your teeth at home, it is also important that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year, even if all of your teeth have been replaced with dental implants. Cleanings and exams are crucial for preventing serious oral health issues from developing, such as gum disease. With cleanings, we remove all buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, both natural and replacement, and polish them. During your exams, we check all of your teeth, looking for signs of damage and decay. We also check your gums for signs of gum disease. All of this helps to ensure that your natural teeth remain healthy, that your dental implants perform optimally, and that your smile remains beautiful.
Taking care of your implants is essential for ensuring that your replacement teeth function properly, and provide you with optimal results. For more information on dental implants, and to find out if they are the right solution for you, call Ford Dental Group at (714) 409-6161 today.
