Dental implants are a great way to get your dream smile, especially if you want to replace all of your teeth. If you just received dental implants and have some questions about how to take care of them, you're not alone.
Here is more information about how you can take care of your teeth, why it's important, what to look out for and which bad habits you should avoid to make your new smile last for years.
Why You Should Take Care of Your New Smile
Your teeth can suffer if you do not have good dental hygiene habits at home. Your dental implants can potentially get infected and develop other serious issues that may affect your health if you do not take the time to properly care for them every day. Gum disease and eventual bone loss are just some of the ramifications of neglecting your oral hygiene.
How to Properly Take Care of Your Dental Implants
It's just as important to clean your implants as it is your natural teeth. We recommend that you continue to follow your usual daily routine after you receive dental implants. Brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, while remembering to gently brush around the area of your implant.
You should also floss a minimum of twice a day to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up on your teeth. You can also use antimicrobial mouthwash if your dentist recommends it and make regular appointments with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned. Dental implants can last for a very long time, especially when you make an effort to keep your smile healthy and frequently see your dentist.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Complications with Your Dental Implants
Here are several signs you may be experiencing complications with your dental implants and may need to see a dentist:
- Your implant is loose or wiggles
- You can feel pain around the dental implant
- You feel nauseous or have to vomit due to taking medications
- You've noticed that your gums bleed around the dental implant
- Your implant has a bad taste or smell
- Your gums feel warm at the site of the dental implant
If you experience one or more of these complications, please contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Avoid These Bad Habits
We recommend that you avoid the following bad habits so you can avoid damaging your dental implants.
- Chewing any item that isn't food
- Using your teeth as a tool
- Smoking and other tobacco use
Your dental implants they should last for a considerably long time when you take the time to seriously care for them.
Consult Your Dentist for a Follow Up Appointment
After your dental implant procedure, consult with your dentist to see when you should come in for a follow up appointment. During that time your dentist will assess the health of your dental implant and may take additional x-rays of your teeth to examine your smile. They will also check to make sure the implant is functioning properly and is not loose.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Please contact us if you are thinking about getting dental implants or would like more information on how to properly take care of them. You can also give us a call at (704) 364-2510 and speak with one of our friendly staff members to schedule an appointment.
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about dental implants. Dr. William Linger, DDS, MAGD is known for providing caring and personal dentistry to residents in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Dr. Linger is a second generation dentist who has been helping patients reach their smile goals for over 22 years.
