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How to Maintain Your ImplantsDental implants are one your available options for the replacement of missing teeth at Dallas Prosthodontics. They consist of small, titanium rods that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. The implants rely on the fusion of your bone to the titanium rods (a process called osseointegration). With proper fusion, the implants become stable “roots” that support your replacement teeth. Implants offer several benefits, one of the biggest being that they preserve the integrity of your jawbone, allowing it to stay strong and healthy. Implants are permanent, and they are easy to care for. While they require maintenance than traditional dentures, they still require daily care. Why is Maintenance So Important?The crowns on your dental implants may be made from ceramic, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be taken care of. Maintaining your dental implants is essential for their stability. Ceramic may not experience decay, but it can still collect the plaque and bacteria. Both build up throughout the day. Daily brushing and flossing them to keep them at bay. Ignored, they continue to accumulate and irritate your gum tissue. In response, your body sends an inflammatory response. Your gums swell and pull away from your teeth, including your replacement teeth, creating pockets. Bacteria fall into these pockets, and attack your jawbone, causing it to become weak. Your implants become compromised and can fail. Implant Maintenance at HomeDaily maintenance at home is one step of maintaining your dental implants. This maintenance is no different than how you would care for your natural teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once. Each brushing session should last at least two minutes, during which time all surfaces of your teeth should be cleaned. When you floss, be sure to get between each tooth, as well as behind your very back teeth. Take care not to force the floss too hard or snap the floss against your gums. Your gums are sensitive, and doing so could irritate the tissues, causing them to bleed. Bleeding gums invite bacteria in, which can lead to an infection. An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill any lingering bacteria. Professional Dental VisitsAlong with daily maintenance at home, regular dental cleanings and exams are just as important. Even if all of your teeth have been replaced by dental implants, these visits are still needed. We recommend that you have at least two visits per year, one every six months. During the visits, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned. All of your teeth, natural and ceramic, are examined for signs of damage. Your gums are checked for early warning signs of gum disease, including redness and swelling. These visits allow for any issues to be spotted early so that that appropriate action may be taken. These preventative measures allow your mouth to stay healthy and your dental implants remain strong, beautiful and fully-functional. Proper maintenance of your dental implants is essential for their stability and your oral health. For more information, call Dallas Prosthodontics today at (972) 503-7200! |
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