What To Expect With Caring For Your New Dental Implants
If you're thinking about getting dental implants, you may wonder what it will be like once you have them and they've healed. Implants work just like regular teeth; they act like a root that holds your tooth securely. That means you can chew normally and speak without worry about implants flying out like can happen with dentures. Here's some information about how you'll want to care for your dental implants.
Your Dentist May Advise Against Eating Hard Foods
Just like a real tooth can crack or chip when you crunch on ice or hard candy, a crown on an implant might chip too. Your implants may not necessarily be harder than your real teeth, so avoid biting on hard foods or using your implants or teeth as tools to open things. You might want to avoid sticky foods too because those make your teeth and implants harder to clean.
When bacteria is left behind from sticky, sweet food, you might increase the risk of gum disease. You don't have to worry about your dental implants getting cavities, but you still need to keep your gums and the rest of your teeth healthy by watching your diet and keeping up with good oral hygiene.
You Use Products Made For Cleaning Implants
Your dentist might recommend toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste made for cleaning your implants. These are less abrasive than products you might use on your regular teeth. Soft brushes are commonly used for cleaning implants, and you'll want to brush at least a couple of times each day, just like you would regular teeth.
Flossing is important for implant care too. You should floss every day to keep bacteria and food out from under the implants and away from your gums. Good oral hygiene helps your gums stay healthy and helps prevent the failure of your implants. Whether you have one or several implants, you should practice daily brushing and flossing on them and your natural teeth too.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Even if you don't have any natural teeth left, you still need to see your dentist for regular checkups and dental cleanings. This helps the dentist find problems early, and cleaning keeps the implants free from plaque and tartar that could lead to gum disease.
In addition to scheduled checkups, let your dentist know if you experience pain or any other problems with your implants. With good care, your implants should last for many years so you can keep your attractive smile and enjoy eating a variety of foods.
Contact your dentist to learn more about dental implants.