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According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, millions of Americans have dental implants, and that number increases by about half a million every year. Dental implants are an investment in your oral health, appearance, and confidence, so you want to do all you can to make the most of them.
Richard Blackburn, DMD, MA, and the team at Volterra Dental want every patient to get the maximum benefits from their dental implants. We share some simple steps that can help.
Don’t skip your twice-a-year checkups
It’s tempting to think that because dental implants use “artificial” teeth, they don’t need dental care, but that’s not the case. Implants need regular dental checkups to ensure that they are sound and the gums surrounding them remain healthy.
Gum disease is a common problem for millions of people, and without proper and early treatment, it can infect the tissues supporting the implant. Over time, the implant post can weaken, leading to implant failure. Twice-a-year checkups are essential for ensuring you get the most from your implants while preventing other oral health problems.
Optimize your oral hygiene routine
Regular checkups and a home care routine are important for maintaining your implants. Just like your natural teeth, implants benefit from twice-a-day brushing and daily flossing.
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash helps eliminate disease-causing bacteria left behind by brushing and flossing. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant surface.
Avoid chewing on very hard food
Dental implants are extremely strong, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be damaged. Avoid chewing on hard foods, like hard candy or ice, and don’t chew on objects, like pens or your nails.
Hard foods and objects could chip your implants or weaken the post that secures them. Avoiding hard foods can also protect your natural teeth.
Wear a mouthguard
Mouthguards are a must for athletes of all levels, particularly if a sport carries a higher risk of being hit in the face or head by a ball, puck, or other object. Even weekend warriors can benefit from mouthguards designed to protect their teeth and jaws while they’re enjoying their sport.
Mouthguards are also important for anyone who works in a job that could cause facial injuries. Dr. Blackburn creates custom guards using the most advanced materials for an amazingly comfortable fit.
Quit smoking
Smoking isn’t just bad for your heart and lungs. It’s bad for your gums, bones, and teeth, too. Smoking makes it harder for your gums and jawbone to heal following implant placement, and the toll it takes on your circulation can increase your risk of infection, too.
If you plan on getting implants, consider quitting in the weeks before placement. If you already have implants, quitting is a smart way to protect your gums and your implants, too.
Wear a night guard
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common problem for many people. It causes excessive wear and tear on teeth and implants. Over time, grinding can damage implants and weaken the posts that anchor them in the jaw.
If you grind your teeth or Dr. Blackburn discovers evidence of grinding, he may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth and reduce pressure and strain while you sleep. Like mouthguards worn for sports, night guards are custom-made and designed for maximum comfort.
Don’t ignore problems
Finally, if you notice any problems with your implants, including damage to the implant, implant loosening, or a change in how they feel, it’s important to contact us immediately. The same is true if you notice swelling, tenderness, or redness in the gums around your implant.
Early intervention helps avoid complications and keeps your implant (and your gums) in great shape. To learn more about dental implants, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Blackburn and the team at Volterra Dental in Los Alamitos, California, today.