Your Dental Implants Can Last a Lifetime with Proper Care and Maintenance
Dental implants are an effective, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They offer a natural look and feel, boosting your confidence and improving your overall oral health. However, to ensure that your dental implants remain in excellent condition for years to come, proper care is essential. At Vero Dental Spa in Vero Beach, FL, we prioritize your dental health by providing expert advice on dental implant care.
To ensure that your restoration lasts and to help increase its longevity, our Vero Beach dentist has created a comprehensive guide to caring for dental implants. If you have any questions, contact our dental team today by calling (772) 778-5550.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Basic Oral Hygiene Habits
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your dental implants. Oral hygiene habits to follow include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Brushing Your Teeth
One of the most effective ways to maintain dental implants is by brushing your teeth twice a day. When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for implants. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the tops, sides, chewing surfaces, and gum lines.
Flossing
Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around your dental implants. Use a floss threader or special dental floss designed for dental implants to make flossing around the implant post easier.
One of the best methods for flossing is known as a Waterpik. It can reach difficult spots and keep the gum line clean.
Rinsing Your Mouth
Rinsing your mouth between meals is an essential step in maintaining the health of your dental implants. It helps remove food particles and bacteria that may be left behind after eating, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup around the implant post.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash specifically formulated for dental implants. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute, making sure to reach all areas of your mouth, including the implant site. Spit the mouthwash out and rinse your mouth with water.
Routine Visits to the Dentist
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining excellent oral health and keeping your dental implants in pristine condition. Our dentist will examine your implant health to check for any signs of wear or damage and clean and polish them to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Problems That Can Occur Without Dental Implant Maintenance
Implant maintenance problems can occur despite regular care and maintenance. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Peri-implantitis: This is a type of gum disease that affects the tissue around the implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and redness around the implant. To treat peri-implantitis, your dentist may recommend antibiotics, deep cleaning procedures, or even surgery in severe cases.
Loose implant: If you feel like your implant is loose or wobbly, it may be due to a loose abutment screw or implant failure. Contact our dentist immediately for an evaluation and treatment options.
Broken restoration: The crown, bridge, or denture that is attached to the implant may become loose, crack, or break over time. This can be due to normal wear and tear or physical trauma. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend a repair or replacement.
Gum recession: Gum recession can occur around the implant, exposing the implant to bacteria and leading to implant failure. Our dentist may recommend gum grafting surgery to address the recession and prevent further damage.
If you’re dealing with any problems with your dental implant, contact our dentist in Vero Beach by calling (772) 778-5550.
The Stages of Dental Implant Healing and Care
Post-Dental Implant Procedure Care
After your implant surgery, the implant needs time to integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. During this period:
Avoid hard and sticky foods.
Stick to a soft-food diet to prevent irritation.
Keep the surgical site clean by gently rinsing with a saltwater solution.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as these can interfere with healing.
Healing Phase
Once the initial healing period is over, and your implants have integrated into the bone, you will begin using your new teeth. During this phase:
Continue brushing and flossing as usual.
Schedule regular follow-ups to ensure the implant is healing properly.
Long-Term Care
Once your implants are fully healed and functional, long-term care focuses on maintaining gum health and ensuring that the surrounding bone remains strong:
Attend regular check-ups and professional cleanings.
Continue maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist after getting dental implants?
After receiving your dental implants, you’ll want to continue to visit your dentist once every six months. By maintaining regular dental visits, you’ll ensure your dental implants stay in excellent shape along with your surrounding natural teeth.
Can I continue to use my regular toothbrush and toothpaste on my dental implants?
Most dentists recommend using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for dental implants, as they’re designed to clean and protect the implant post and surrounding tissue without causing damage. Your dentist will recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste for your specific case.
Does food get trapped under a dental implant?
Since the base of your dental implant is fused with your jawbone, food won’t get trapped under the restoration. Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth.
Can plaque grow on implants?
Yes, plaque can grow on implants just like it can on natural teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, and if not removed through proper oral hygiene practices, can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Similarly, plaque can accumulate on the surface of dental implants, leading to inflammation and potential implant failure. This condition is known as peri-implantitis and can cause bone loss around the implant.
What's the best toothpaste for a dental implant?
It’s generally recommended to use toothpaste that’s low in abrasive particles, as these can scratch the surface of the implant or the restoration attached to it. Look for toothpaste that has a low RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) value, ideally under 70.
Some toothpaste brands also offer specialized formulations for people with dental implants, which may include ingredients such as antibacterial agents to prevent plaque buildup or enzymes to break down bacteria.
Contact Vero Dental Spa for Exceptional Implant Care
Are you considering dental implants or need guidance on how to care for your existing implants? At Vero Dental Spa, we’re here to help. Whether you’re at the beginning of your dental implant journey or are looking for professional maintenance, our team is dedicated to providing the best care possible.
To schedule a dental implant appointment, contact our dentist in Vero Beach at (772) 778-5550.
Get Your Complimentary
Consultation or 2nd Opinion
- Exam
- Full mouth X-ray
- Private Consultation with Doctor ($350 value)
3036 20th St,
Vero Beach, FL 32960- (772) 778-5550
Working hours
- Monday: 8am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
- Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
- Thursday: 8am - 5pm
- Friday: 8am - 1pm
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed