Dental implants are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth and give you a beautiful and youthful appearance. However, some people are hesitant about dental implants because they think that a trip to a dentist’s office for care is costly and time-consuming. This is not true as there are affordable and extremely doable ways of making your dental implants last a lifetime. This family dentist notes that you can make your implants last a lifetime, you just have to take good care of them. The following are a few suggestions from dental experts to help you keep your dental implants for as long as possible:
Be Smart About What Goes In Your Mouth
It is easy to get carried away with the snacks, beverages, and even condiments that can take a toll on your implants. Avoiding things that damage your implants is the key to keeping them healthy. You should always avoid chewing things like ice, popcorn seeds, and hard candies, for they can cause too much stress on your teeth, gums, and implants. But if you want to eat something crunchy, go for raw vegetables or toast instead. Additionally, you should also avoid using your newly installed implants to open a can, a bottle, or a jar.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Dental implants are not different from natural teeth. However, they can be harmed by less than optimal oral hygiene habits. Ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, eat well-balanced meals, and floss your teeth at least twice a day. You can also use a fluoride rinse twice a day and an antiseptic mouthwash as an extra precaution. However, do not use toothpaste with baking soda in it, as it can abrade your dental implants.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Good dental hygiene is essential in making dental implants last a lifetime. You must have your implants regularly checked by an oral surgeon to verify that they are still in place and secure. This way, they can be properly cleaned and cared for, too. Additionally, you should schedule regular professional cleanings to get rid of plaque and tartar deposits. This will help you avoid any future complications with your dental implants.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Avoiding foods high in sugar and salt content can help your dental implants last longer. Instead, eat well-balanced meals that are rich in protein, veggies, fruits, nuts, and healthy fats to keep your mouth healthy. You should also avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and doing other things that can lead to cavities. Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw too tightly can also be harmful to your dental implants.
Be Mindful Of The Healing Process
After having a dental implant placed, you must remember that your body needs time to heal and the implant to integrate itself into your body. The healing period can take up to three months or longer, depending on the location of the implant and the type of healing required. So, avoid doing things like smoking or drinking while you recuperate. You should also avoid activities that require extra jaw movement not to create more stress on your implants. However, make sure to go for regular check-ups during this time.
Follow Proper After-care Procedures
Even though implants are an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth, you must be very careful with how you handle them. By following the care instructions carefully, you can keep your dental implants for a lifetime. You need to protect your implants against any stress they may get while cleaning, eating, or sleeping. For example, avoid using toothbrushes that are too abrasive, especially on your lower teeth. Additionally, do not use over-the-counter mouthwashes or denture treatments that are designed to remove plaque. Both of these ingredients might cause damage to your implant.
Whether you want to smile with confidence or eat more comfortably, dental implants may be the ideal solution for you. If you are the right candidate and the implant is placed correctly, it can last a lifetime and be changed if necessary. If you take good care of your dental implants, they will be with you for a long time. However, if something goes wrong with your implant, make sure that you get the best dentist in your area to check it out.