A smile is the most beautiful asset you can wear at any point. Tooth cavities, teeth that are missing, or apparent gaps in your mouth could make it challenging to put on your best smile throughout the day. Dental technology has advanced where conventional dentures aren’t the sole option for replacing missing teeth.
Dental implants provide secure and long-lasting, natural replacement teeth. If a tooth becomes lost or damaged, implant dentistry can be utilized to restore the appearance and function of a smile by anchoring a brand new artificial tooth into place. Maintaining the implant properly is essential to ensuring its longevity.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Although dental implants can mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, they require extra care to avoid rejection and problems. The maintenance of dental implants is easy and requires just a few modifications to your regular oral hygiene routine. If you want your teeth implants to last a lifetime, take proper care of them by following this guide.
1. Brush and Floss Daily
Following the procedure, you first must buy a new toothbrush and throw out the previous one. Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles because these brushes are more gentle on artificial teeth. Dentists from reputable firms like Elite Dentistry, advise against using brushes with bristles that are too soft as they are likely to damage the surface of the implants. Additionally, it is essential to brush and floss your teeth every day. Insufficient flossing can cause damage to implants and teeth. Plaque occurs when bacteria build up in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Avoid Harsh Mouth Products
The products that can damage your implants must be avoided at all costs. For instance, abrasive chemicals like baking soda or stain removers found in toothpaste and mouthwashes can damage your dental prosthetics.
If you have implants in your teeth, it’s recommended that you choose a toothpaste specifically designed for this use or consult your dentist for a suggestion. It is also recommended to know the dental implant cost done by your dentist for you to take care of it.
3. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Consuming alcohol or smoking cigarettes not only affects your health but can also cause damage to your dental implants. The time to heal for dental implants is typically approximately six months. Implants can be damaged when people drink or smoke while they are healing. This is why you should stay away from smoking and drinking until the affected areas completely recover. The removal of these harmful habits can allow you to progress faster.
4. Avoid Hard and Sticky Food
Implants can be damaged by foods that are sticky or hard. Sticky and moist food clings to teeth and can cause dental problems. Consuming food which is too firm can cause your implants to fracture. Consequently, you may have to fix your implants, which will require further costs. If you’re in search for affordable dental implants in Austin, TX, do a quick search on the web for the best results in your area.
5. Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental visits can help you keep the surrounding area of your implants clean and ensure that your oral health is in good shape. If you are scheduled for regular dental cleanings at the dentist’s office, the dental hygienist will use specialized equipment to clean the area around your implants that won’t hurt them. You must visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and thorough cleaning if you desire your remaining teeth, implants, and gums to stay healthy.
