How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?
Many family dentists are becoming more familiar with patients who are in need of dental implants.
As the aging population rises, and new threats to the integrity of healthy teeth become more present in diet, cosmetic dentists are getting more referred patients who need this kind of specialized outfitting.
But once the implants are in place, just how are patients supposed to care for themselves and their new teeth?
Routine
Regardless of the state of your teeth, oral hygiene is a must for all.
In some cases, the neglect of proper hygiene could even lead a patient to a state where implants are necessary in order for their oral health to resemble something close to normal.
Developing and maintaining a routine is essential in maintaining new oral health or to keep a medical condition from worsening.
Unlike natural teeth, however, there is a process of healing that one must undergo, and the process or keeping a clean mouth is not the same as it was with natural teeth.
However, the process of healing, the restoration of pink, fleshy gums, and the proper connection of an implant relies upon the adaptation of a hygiene routine.
If needed, many family dentists can provide their patients with homecare packs to get them started and a brief education in what will be required of them to maintain their new teeth.
Learn How to Care for Implants
Unlike traditional teeth, there are new elements to implants, such as titanium and surface coating of the implant.
Because of this, there are different recommendations of hygiene products.
Toothpaste and mouthwashes with low abrasion are suggested to keep coating from being weathered during brushing.
Also refraining from high fluoride content and baking soda will keep teeth from staining, taking on a yellowish or off-white color.
In addition to the actual implants, considerations must be made for the titanium fittings.
Some products are strictly off-limits as they can make them corrosive, leading to future procedures and possibly fittings for new implants.
Use the Right Tools
In respect to brushes, there are no difference in electric, manual, flexible or rigid toothbrushes for those with implants.
The difference from these and traditional teeth lies exclusively in how one brushes.
Those with implants are expected to brush twice a day, using soft bristles with slow circular motions, not unlike the recommendations for those with natural teeth.
Also, those with implants will have to clean under their implants, at the gums, and where the titanium fittings are located.
When cleaned, prosthesis can be dipped in antimicrobial rinse for thorough cleaning and safe keeping.
For implants, flossing with dental tape seems to provide the least amount of resistance to coating.
In a seesaw motion, one would clean between teeth and the crevice where the prosthetic connects to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
In the case of discomfort or inflammation while healing, there are many antimicrobial rinses designed specifically for those with dental implants.
If neither is an option, and one would like a deeper than brushing alone can provide, oral irrigators are known to be effective in the removal of residual plaque and biofilm after brushing.
Whatever method chosen, it should be done in connection with brushing at both times in the day.
If you are seeking professional dental advice for your family, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.
Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal.
Call today for an appointment.
Visit
www.mychandlerdentist
SHUMWAY DENTAL CARE 3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1 Chandler, AZ 85286 (480) 420-7551