Dental implants are a common method for restoring lost teeth. They offer a natural feel and appearance that can last a lifetime with proper care. In Inglewood, CA, patients can regain their confidence with dental implants provided by New Image Dental. You must maintain your dental implants, just as you would any other investment in your overall well-being, to ensure they last for many years. In this article, we will provide you with essential tips for maintaining your dental implants to ensure a long-lasting and beautiful smile.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The effectiveness of dental implants depends on maintaining proper oral hygiene. Just like your natural teeth and dental implants, they require regular cleanings to maintain their health. While the implants themselves are resistant to cavities, the surrounding bone and gums must remain healthy.
Tips about maintaining oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid damaging the surrounding gums when you brush around the area where the implants are placed.
- Implant-specific floss can be easily slipped between the posts, preventing debris from building up between teeth.
- Use antibacterial mouthwashes to reduce bacteria. Gum disease surrounding implant sites can also be prevented by using fluoride mouthwash.
You can request personalized advice from your dentist for dental implants in Inglewood, CA.
2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checks are vital for the longevity of your implant. Even if implants appear to be stable and you experience no issues, it is still recommended that you visit your dentist annually or biannually.
During the appointments, the dentist will assess whether the implant fits properly and verify that everything is functioning as it should. You may need to have X-rays taken to check that your implant has firmly bonded with your jawbone.
3. Mind What You Consume
It’s essential to maintain a healthy diet, even if your dental implants are expected to last for many years.
Foods you should avoid include:
- Hard and sticky foods, such as hard candies, sticky caramels, and ice. This can damage the implants or dislodge them.
- Tough, chewy meats can put excessive strain on the implant and its surrounding tissues.
- Sugary products are known to cause plaque, which is harmful to your gums.
To promote your dental health, eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, and calcium-rich foods will help support strong teeth and gums.
4. Protect Your Implants Against Excessive Force
Dental implants may be extremely durable, but can still suffer damage from excessive forces. It’s essential to protect implants if you grind your teeth at night or participate in sports.
- Always wear a protective mouth guard if you play contact sports. This will protect both your implants and your natural teeth.
- If you grind your teeth while you sleep, think about getting a night guard. The grinding of teeth can result in significant pressure being placed on dental implants, potentially leading to complications.
New Image Dental’s dentists can provide you with expert advice on the best way to protect your implant.
5. How To Quit Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your oral health. It may also negatively affect the healing time of dental implants. Smoking reduces blood flow, which slows down healing and increases the risk of infection. In addition to increasing plaque, smoking may lead to gum disease that could compromise your implants.
The best way to achieve great results is to stop smoking before you undergo the dental implant process. If you have received implants, you may increase their life and efficacy by stopping smoking.
6. Use Implant-Friendly Products
When caring for your dental implants, use products specifically designed for them. Several toothbrushes, as well as cleaning instruments, are specially made to work around and protect dental implants. There are specialized flosses that allow you to clean the area around the gums and between the implant posts.
If you are unsure which products work well with your dental implants, your dentist can recommend the best options to maintain good oral hygiene.
Conclusion
To ensure the long-term success of your dental implant, it is essential to take proper care of it. You may benefit from dental implants for many years if you follow these guidelines: maintain excellent oral hygiene, see your doctor often, eat mindfully, safeguard your implant, stop smoking, and use implant-friendly products. If you have dental implants, it is important to maintain them.
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