Caring for Your Dental Implant
Richmond, VA
 Dental implants are one of the best solutions for missing teeth. They are more durable than dentures and help restore missing teeth that look and feel exactly like your natural teeth. However, the longevity of your dental implant depends on how you take care of your dental implant. While dental implants are artificial teeth, they need care and maintenance, just like your natural teeth.
There are a few measures that you need to take to take good care of your dental implants.
Post-Surgery Care
Getting dental implants is a major surgical procedure; hence, it requires post-surgery care. It is best to avoid eating hard foods, especially during the first week following the implant, as it can affect the healing and placement of your implant. Moreover, your dentist will also recommend some changes in your diet and particular care that you need to take for up to 12 weeks following the surgery.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Like your natural teeth, the health and longevity of your dental implants depends on how well you take care of your oral hygiene. Make sure you use a soft-bristled nylon brush twice a day to gently brush your teeth to avoid plaque build-up. You need a long brush so it can reach the more difficult-to-reach areas of your mouth. Moreover, your dentist may also include interdental brushes as part of your dental implant care and maintenance routine. The small brush can remove the pieces of plaque from around the sides of your implants near the gum line, reducing the risk of gum disease.
Apart from regular brushing, you also need to floss your teeth every day, especially around the implant, to reduce the risk of plaque build-up and gum disease. However, it is best to use implant-specific floss for more effective cleaning.
Combining regular brushing and flossing with the use of antimicrobial mouthwash will significantly reduce and eliminate the build-up of bacteria and plaque around your dental implants.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
When you get a dental implant, you may be required to avoid hard and sticky foods for some time, especially during the healing period. Some of the foods to avoid, especially following the surgical procedure, include hard candies, crusty bread, tough meat, and ice cubes. These lifestyle choices will protect your dental implant along with your other natural teeth.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Once the procedure is complete, you still need to schedule regular dental visits so our dentist can monitor the progress of your implant and the overall health of your oral cavity. When you schedule a visit with us, it is important to listen to our advice about maintaining your dental implants. Whether it is about avoiding certain foods during the healing period or maintaining a specific cleaning routine, our advice is critical to keep your implant in good shape as long as possible.
Schedule a visit with Dr. T. James Dix at Riverwind Dental to learn more about restoration procedures for missing teeth, caring for your dental implants, or any other dental concerns. Call us at (804) 280-0853 to schedule your appointment. |
