Dental Implants - Spring Hill, TN

How to Care for Your Dental Implants in Spring Hill, TN

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Dental Implant Placement Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide

Dental implants, when properly cared for, can provide a lifetime of benefits. To ensure your implants remain healthy and functional, it’s essential to follow a consistent maintenance routine. 

To ensure that your restoration lasts and to help increase its longevity, our Spring Hill, TN dentists have created a comprehensive guide to caring for dental implants and maintaining good oral hygiene. If you have any questions, contact our dental team by calling (931) 391-3089.

Daily Oral Hygiene for Dental Implants

  • Brushing: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for implants. Focus on all surfaces, including the implant site.
  • Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the implant. Use a floss threader or special dental floss designed for implants.
  • Mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
  • Consistent visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months to monitor your implant’s health and address potential issues.
  • Professional cleaning: Your dentist will clean and polish your implants to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Potential Implant Problems and Solutions

  • Peri-implantitis: This gum disease can lead to inflammation and bone loss around the implant. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and redness. Treatment may involve antibiotics, deep cleaning, or surgery.
  • Loose implant: If you notice a loose implant, contact your dentist immediately. It could be due to a loose abutment screw or implant failure.
  • Broken restoration: A damaged crown, bridge, or denture can be repaired or replaced.
  • Gum recession: Gum recession can expose the implant to bacteria. Gum grafting surgery may be necessary.

 

Additional Tips for Dental Implant Surgery Care

Some extra tips for caring for implants includes:

  • Avoid hard foods: While dental implants are durable, it’s still advisable to avoid excessively hard foods that could damage the restoration.
  • Limit smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: These habits can negatively impact healing and increase the risk of complications.
  • Wear a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard can protect your implants and natural teeth.
  • Pay attention to signs of trouble: If you notice any changes in your implants, such as discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity, contact your dentist immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can plaque grow on implants?

Yes, plaque can grow on implants just like it can on natural teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, and if not removed through proper oral hygiene practices, can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.

What’s the best toothpaste for after a dental implant procedure?

It’s generally recommended to use toothpaste that’s low in abrasive particles, as these can scratch the surface of the implant or the restoration attached to it. Look for toothpaste with a low RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) value, ideally under 70.

Some toothpaste brands also offer specialized formulations for people with dental implants, which may include ingredients such as antibacterial agents to prevent plaque buildup or enzymes to break down bacteria.

Your Dental Implants Can Last a Lifetime at Dentistry by Design

With proper care, dental implants are a life-long solution to missing teeth. If you have any questions about dental implant care and the healing process after a dental implant treatment, call Dr. Robinette today. Contact Dentistry By Design in Spring Hill, TN, at (931) 391-3089 to schedule your consultation.

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