A missing tooth or multiple teeth doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful smile. To restore your pearly whites, your dentist may recommend dental implants to replace your missing teeth. With dental implants, an artificial tooth is implanted directly into your jaw with a dental implant. Once the implant is embedded within your jawbone, it is used to secure a singular or group of artificial teeth in place to create the appearance of a perfect smile.
If you’re considering dental implants to get you the smile you’ve always dreamed of, there are a few aftercare tips for you to be aware of. Here are six aftercare tips for peace of mind with your dental implants.
Brush with a Soft Bristled Toothbrush
Have you bought the same brand of toothbrushes for the past ten years? Do you rely on the toothbrushes your dentist gives you as your bi-annual cleaning? After getting dental implants, you may need to change up the type of toothbrush you’ve been using to brush your teeth twice a day.
Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles can scratch the exterior of your dental implants. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush that will offer the same clean but with much gentler bristles. When browsing the toothbrush aisle at the store, look for a toothbrush labeled with nylon bristles to ensure you’re choosing a toothbrush soft enough to do no damage but still provide a thorough cleaning.
Use Products for Sensitive Teeth
Because your mouth has undergone surgery to get the dental implants attached to your jaw, it’s essential to take precautions against anything that may cause you additional discomfort. When selecting your mouthwash and toothpaste, opt for less abrasive options. The best way to handle this is to use toothpaste and mouthwash specifically designed for those with tooth sensitivity. Anything too abrasive can cause you extreme discomfort with repeat use.
Floss Your Teeth Every Day
How often are you currently flossing your teeth? If you aren’t flossing your teeth daily, then you aren’t flossing enough — especially when you have dental implants. Flossing is more important than ever when you have dental implants because of the plaque buildup around the implant. If the plaque isn’t removed, it can lead to infection and eventually cause a problem with your dental implant.
Watch the Types of Foods You Eat
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but there are certain types of foods you would avoid or limit when you have artificial teeth. Sticky and hard foods are known to cause damage to dental implants, so be mindful when eating any of the following foods:
- Carrots
- Apples
- Caramel
- Hard candy
- Gummy candy
- Chips
- Steak
- Ice
Avoiding or reducing the intake of these foods will help ensure your dental implant remains healthy and intact.
Limit Smoking and Alcohol
Dental implants are fully healed about six months. If your teeth are exposed to any additional trauma during this period, the healing may be delayed. Both smoking and alcohol are detrimental to the healing process for dental implants, which increases the chance of rejection or infection. When possible, avoid smoking or drinking alcohol to allow your dental implants to heal more quickly.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular visits to the dentist should always be on your calendar, especially if you have dental implants. Not only will your dentist be able to check on your dental implants and make sure everything has healed correctly, but they’ll also clean and check the rest of your teeth to prevent the need for additional dental implants in the future. By properly taking care of your dental implants, you’ll have a beautiful smile for many years to come.
Call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Dental Implants
For dental implants or require other dental services in Billings, MT, reach out to Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s team to schedule an appointment.
