Dental implants make it possible for you to restore your smile with secure, natural-looking tooth replacements. Consisting of a titanium or ceramic implant and topped off with a dental crown, dental implants give you the security and appearance of a real tooth. Whether you have one or several dental implants, it’s important to take care of them properly.
While the rejection rate for dental implants is very low (dental implants have a 98 percent success rate), caring for your restorations can help you have a beautiful and secure smile for life [1]!
Brush Gently But Thoroughly
You still need to brush your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth. Brush gently yet thoroughly, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush for best results [2].
Brush underneath and around your dental crown—it may be difficult for your toothbrush to properly reach these areas, so ensure your toothbrush is the right size to gently clean these spaces. You can use a manual or electric toothbrush, just be sure to choose a softer brush head!
Choose the Right Toothpaste
It’s important to not use a toothpaste that’s too abrasive when it comes to your dental implants. While a bit of abrasive material can help properly clean your teeth and remove surface stains, too much abrasion can damage your dental crown over time.
How can you select the right toothpaste? It’s best to avoid toothpastes that are advertised as being “whitening” or have whitening agents in them—these can be too abrasive for your dental implant. Ask your dentist for specific recommendations for toothpaste if you have questions!
Be Cautious When Flossing
Flossing around your dental implant is an essential part of your oral care routine, but it’s crucial to be gentle. You won’t be able to floss around your dental implant as you would around your natural teeth. Flossing too aggressively can contribute to peri-implantitis, a condition in which the gum and bone tissue become inflamed around your dental implant.
Don’t floss too far underneath the gumline: instead, floss gently on either side of your dental crown. Your dentist can demonstrate exactly how to floss around your dental implant, and may recommend a water flosser for best results [3].
Visit Your Dentist
Your dentist is your partner in helping to keep your dental implant as healthy as possible for life. With the right care, your dental implant will last a lifetime, although your dental crown will eventually need to be replaced. By scheduling regular appointments with your dentist for checkups and cleanings, you can help your smile stay bright and healthy for many years to come.
If you have any questions about taking care of your dental implants, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for assistance. Your dental implant completes your smile and you want to take the best care of it possible, so keep your regular dental appointments and brush and floss daily!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212375/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4897104/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26261052
