Maintaining good oral health is important to keep your dental implants clean and free of bacteria. If left unchecked, it may cause gum inflammation, which can lead to periodontal disease. This can cause problems with your overall dental health and your dental implants.
That said, the two most vital procedures after going through a dental implant would have to be the cleaning and check-up stages. Below are just a few pointers to help you be familiarized with them.
Regular Implant Checkups
It is essential to have regular check-ups with your dentist after getting dental implants to make sure that the implants are healing properly and to catch any potential problems early on.
The dental implant process usually takes several months, but it can take up to a year if a bone graft is performed. You will be able to return to your regular twice-yearly check-ups once your dentist determines that you have healed sufficiently.
Do I Need to Go to Regular Cleanings?
It’s important to keep up with your dental cleanings, even if you don’t have any natural teeth left. Your dental hygienist will make sure your gums are healthy, and your implants look good!
Your hygienist will use special tools to clean your implants and take extra care to avoid damaging them. They will also look for signs of peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis, which are two implant-related gum diseases.
The Main Signs of Infection
It is vital to keep an eye on your oral health and see a dentist if you have any signs of infection. This is because gum disease or infection can cause bleeding gums, swollen tissue, and discomfort.
If you have an infection around your implants, it’s important to get it treated right away. If you wait too long, you could lose the implants and the bone around them.
Some Implant Hygiene Tips
You should brush your implants at least twice a day and also brush your gums and tongue. This will help keep your mouth healthy and prevent any gum disease or other problems. It’s important to floss at least once a day in order to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. If you have dental implants, you may find that water flossers work well. Be sure to rinse your mouth with a dentist-approved mouthwash afterward to kill any remaining bacteria.
Brushing Your Dental Implants
To brush your implants:
- Start by using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your brush.
- Aim the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and use gentle circular motions.
- Brush the chewing surfaces of your molars thoroughly.
- Spit the toothpaste out after you’re done brushing.
It’s important to select a gentle and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of your dental implants. Harsh, gritty products like baking soda should be avoided.
To brush your teeth correctly:
- Angle your toothbrush towards your gumline at a 45-degree angle.
- Use short strokes on each tooth, and then move to the next tooth.
- Repeat this process until you have brushed every tooth in your mouth, including the chewing surfaces.
- Be careful not to apply too much pressure, which can damage your gums.
Conclusion
After undergoing a dental implant, the patient will need to brush and floss regularly and attend follow-up appointments to ensure that the implant is healing properly. If any issues or complications arise, they will also need to seek medical attention immediately.
By following these simple steps, the patient can ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you are looking for a dental institution that provides the best dental implants in Medway, MA, look no further than our expertise here at Saint Mark Dental. We specialize in General, Cosmetic, and Pediatric Dentistry. Call us today to book your first dental implant session with us.
