Caring for Dental Implants: Tips for Long-Term Success

Over the years, Dentistry has evolved a lot, and dental implants are a fruit of those advancements. Dental implants are a great way of replacing missing or damaged teeth and offer many benefits to patients by being a natural-looking and durable solution that can stand the test of time and last for many years. However, dental can be quite expensive.

The average cost of dental implants in Canada is approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth. So it's important to make the most of your hefty investment by taking all the measures necessary for caring for dental implants.

If you have dental implants or are thinking about getting them, this blog will help you take care of your dental implants in the best way possible.

So let's dive in and explore how to care for your dental implants!

Best Tips For Caring for Dental Implants

Brush and Floss Daily

Now this one may seem obvious, but you would be surprised to know that more than 20% of people don't brush their teeth properly, ruining their oral health. 

Dental implants are not different from our natural teeth and require regular brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup, so always brush your natural teeth and dental implants gently yet thoroughly, paying special attention to the gum line.

Brushing removes the food particles and residue that is stuck on the surface of teeth, but food also gets stuck in the spaces of teeth, and flossing allows you to get rid of the food particles that are not accessible by brushing.

You can use a traditional floss threader or interdental brush to clean around the implant posts and under the bridge. Water flossers are an excellent tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and are a great alternative for people whose gums start bleeding after thread flossing.

Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

Although dental implants are strong and resilient,  they are not unbreakable. AvoidingAvoiding hard and sticky foods is essential in caring for dental implants. 

You can increase the life of your implants by avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and sticky caramel and going for softer and healthier food options like cooked vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. While doing all this, be mindful of the temperature of your food and drinks, too, and avoid some hidden enemies that can damage your teeth and implants.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is harmful to both your overall health and oral health. Smoking cause gum disease, which can lead to implant failure. Nicotine can restrict blood flow to the gums, slowing down the healing process after implant surgery.

Quitting smoking is essential for the success of your dental implants and is a must for caring for dental implants. 

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health and ensuring the long-term success of your dental implants.

During a dental checkup, your dentist will examine your implants and the surrounding gum tissue to ensure everything is healthy and functioning as intended.

Then, depending on the condition of your teeth, they will perform a professional cleaning or other procedures to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Wear a Mouthguard

Protecting your implants from any internal and external injury is the best way of caring for dental implants.

For example, if you participate in contact sports or grind your teeth at night, then wearing a mouthguard can protect your dental implants from damage.

In addition, mouthguards reduce the risk of fractures, chips, or dislodgement of your dental implants by being a cushion between teeth and jaws.

Avoid Alcohol-Based Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a great way to quickly freshen up your breath and kill bacteria in your mouth, but sometimes it can be harmful to your dental implants. For example, alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out and irritate your mouth, leading to inflammation or infection around your dental implants.

So it's best to go for an alcohol-free or antibacterial mouthwash that is gentle on your gums and dental implants. Your dentist can recommend a suitable mouthwash for your specific needs. 

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too vigorously can scratch the surface of your dental implants or damage the surrounding gum tissue. You can avoid this by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently in a circular motion.

You can even use an electric toothbrush with a soft brush head, as it removes plaque and bacteria more effectively than manual brushing.

Address Any Issues Immediately

Addressing any issues immediately is a great way of caring for dental implants to increase their lives.

If you experience any signs of dental implant issues, such as pain, swelling, or looseness of the implant, then it is important to contact your dentist immediately.

Prompt treatment saves your precious implant from any further damage and increases the life of your implants.

Your dentist can recommend imaging tests or a biopsy to diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics or surgery.

Tips for choosing the best dentist in Kitchener for dental implants

The quality of dental implants decides the life of that implant. If you get a low-quality dental implant or your dentist performs the dental implant surgery in the wrong way, then no amount of care can increase the life of your implants.

Check experience and training

Choosing the right dentist for your dental implant procedure is a critical step in ensuring the long-term success of your dental implants.

Always look for a dentist who has experience and training in caring for dental implants. Ask them about their training and certification in implant dentistry and check if they have a track record of successful implant procedures.

Technology and techniques

Another crucial factor to consider is the technology and techniques the dentist uses to care for dental implants.

Look for a dentist who utilizes the latest digital imaging techniques and 3D printing technology to provide you with accurate diagnoses, treatment plans, and precise implant placement.

This ensures that the implant is placed correctly, minimizing the risk of complications.

Read reviews and Testimonials 

Online reviews and referrals from friends and family are great ways to assess the credibility of a dentist.

Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to gain insight into how well the dentist treats his patients.

Schedule a consultation

Schedule a consultation with your chosen dentist to learn more about the procedure and costs of dental implants. During the consultation session, you have the golden opportunity of learning about the work ethic and expertise of the dentist.

A good dentist always gives patients ample amount of time to hear their worries, respond to their concerns, and thoroughly explain the treatment to them.

Check for financing options

Dental implants can be quite expensive, so always go through the financing options and insurance coverage options to take some burden off your pockets.

Look for a dentist who offers flexible financing options or accepts your insurance plan to make the procedure more affordable while still ensuring quality care for your dental implants.

Conclusion

Caring for dental implants is important for their long-term success and your overall oral health. By following these tips, you can ensure your dental implants stay healthy and functional for years to come.

Maintaining your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, avoiding hard or sticky foods, quitting smoking, and going for regular dental checkups can increase the life of your dental implants.