Categories: Dental Implants

How To Care for Dental Implants

After a patient has worked with their dentist to find the best solution for replacing one or more of their teeth, one of the most common procedures gaining popularity is dental implants.

Multiple reasons are given for why implants are better for the patient and their teeth than other tooth replacement options. However, certain aspects including the long-term health of the jawbone.

Why dental implants?

The first question that is important to answer is regarding exactly how dental implants work for a patient.

If a person has lost one or more teeth, getting them replaced should be a high priority. Although it may not be done the same day, ensuring that a long period of time does not go by without a tooth present is important, due to how fast the body can adapt to the absence of a said tooth.

Does not having a tooth affect the jawbone?

It is vital for the overall health of the jawbone and surrounding teeth that a tooth and tooth root is present. When a person goes throughout their day to day life, eats food and moves their mouth, the force is transferred through the tooth root and stimulates the jawbone. This stimulation is used to keep the jawbone healthy and delays it from deteriorating.

However, once a tooth is lost, the tooth root will begin deteriorating. Over time, the jawbone can do the same.

How do you care for a dental implant?

Dental implants make it very easy to care for and keep teeth in their best condition. The ease of keeping dental implants in good condition is actually quite simple.

The most important thing to remember after getting dental implants is to keep an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine. Ensuring that teeth are brushed twice per day and flossing daily will help to make sure the gums are kept healthy and the implant will be good for years to come.

How are dental implants inserted?

The process for having dental implants inserted is completed typically over three visits to the dentist.

During the initial consultation, the dentist will look at the person’s mouth, teeth and gums and ensure the jawbone is healthy enough for implants to be inserted. If a dentist has determined that a person's jawbone is not strong enough, the next steps are to have bone grafting completed to get the bone ready. Once the jawbone is sturdy enough to have implants inserted, the dental process is started.

Keep dental implants clean and undamaged

As with anything to do with teeth and gums, brushing twice and flossing daily while keeping your dentist informed of any problems is the most important thing a person can do. If any chips are felt or if something does not feel right, let your dentist know and they will tell you the best thing to do.

Doing these simple steps will ensure that you get to enjoy your dental implants for many years to come.