If you’ve recently gotten a tooth implant, you’re certainly not alone. Hundreds of thousands of people every year get dental implants of some sort, and with good reason. Scientific literature suggests that dental implants have a success rate of 98%. Tooth implants and tooth replacements can be great for your health and smile. Use these tips to help care for your tooth implant to keep it looking healthy and maintain your smile.
- Careful cleaning: Dental implants are not made of the same materials as your natural teeth, so you’re most likely not going to be able to use the same products to clean your replacement teeth. Look for more gentle cleansers, including toothpaste and brushes designed for false teeth. These will be better able to clean your implants safely, without damaging the material in ways that traditional toothpastes and brushes might.
- Remember your gums: One of the most important factors in maintaining your dental health after having a tooth replacement is keeping your gums in good shape. Your gums are partially responsible for holding your tooth implant in place, so caring for them well will help maintain your implant as well. Look for a high-quality water pick to help you clean your gums gently without harming your implants.
- Don’t discolor: Many people look to whiten their teeth in one way or another, whether that’s through at-home whitening treatments or professional options. If you have a dental implant, remember that it’s made of different materials from your natural teeth, and likely won’t hold up to teeth whitening treatments. Talk to your dentist if you’re worried about discoloration with your dental implant, rather than immediately seeking whitening treatments.
- Regular checkups: The most important part of properly caring for your dental implants is regularly making visits with your local dentist. Maintenance and preventive care can help you avoid running into more expensive health issues later on that could damage your dental implant.
If you’re missing teeth and looking for a replacement, dental implants can be a great option when you care for them well. For more information on dental implants and esthetic dental procedures, contact Whitten Dentistry.