Dental implants are known and proven to be the perfect permanent replacement for missing teeth because of their durability and convenience. Did you know that many people have improved their lives and become happier after choosing to get dental implants in Wendell?
But the thing is, many people misconceive these implants to be resistant to oral health problems, which is not true and is a huge red flag! Your implants can’t sustain damage from plaque and tartar if you don’t take care of them properly.
Need help understanding how dental implants work? Worry no more! We can help you learn more about dental implants and how you can take care of them here.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are usually made of titanium and are drilled into your jawbone. They often require three to six months for your jawbone to bond with them through a process called osseointegration.
Once the healing process is done, abutments are attached to the post to hold the new teeth securely. Your new teeth are customized to ensure they fit in your mouth by making an impression of your natural teeth and creating a model of your bite.
Since dental implants do not need to be removed, they act just like natural teeth and provide you comfort when speaking and eating your favorite foods.
How Does Plaque Affect Dental Implants?
Just because you already have artificial teeth in your mouth does not mean you are less likely to have plaque buildup. Plaque is a yellowish, sticky film of bacteria made from the particles of the food you eat, saliva, and other deposits in your mouth.
With poor hygiene practice and no regular dental checkups, plaque buildup can be dangerous and damaging to your gums and your dental implants. This can trigger serious dental health problems that can end up being expensive to fix.
The damage to your dental implants starts with peri-implant mucositis, an inflammation that affects the gum tissue surrounding your dental implant but has no signs of bone loss. It often escalates to peri-implantitis when this problem is neglected.
Peri-implantitis is a serious condition that can lead to implant failure. The gum tissue’s inflammation spreads around the implant site, triggering bone resorption, causing your implant to be loose and fail.
Peri-implantitis can be effectively treated by a combination of non-surgical treatment and resective or regenerative procedures. Once succeeded, you have to get new dental implants to ensure the safety of the newly-recovered implant site.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is similar to taking care of your natural teeth. To begin with, flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day will significantly help reduce plaque buildup.
It is recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Your dentist can prescribe specific types of dental floss and non-abrasive toothpaste to secure the durability of your artificial teeth.
When plaque buildup somehow escalates, you should immediately go to your dentist and have it cleaned up. Scaling and root-planing are standard cleaning methods meant to remove plaque from your teeth and gums.
You can also undergo a regular cleaning session alongside your regular checkups.
It is best to practice a healthier lifestyle after placing dental implants in your mouth. For starters, being careful with what you eat is a must. Foods that are soft and less sugary can help maintain the wholeness of your artificial teeth and protect your remaining natural teeth.
You should also avoid using your artificial teeth on non-food items, such as opening things and biting fingernails.
After the procedure, quitting smoking and alcohol are also recommended to induce healing in your implant site. While it is understood that getting rid of these unhealthy habits is difficult, you can start with disciplining yourself or by seeking professional advice.
Following all of these steps can assure you a higher success rate for your dental implant. When you are consistent, your dental implants can even last for a lifetime.
Looking for Excellent Dental Implants in Wendell?
At Tryon Family Dentistry, we can help restore your smile and confidence with our quality dental implants. Our experts are geared with experience and standardized equipment and procedures, giving you the assurance of your oral health being in a better condition afterward.
Now that you know how important it is to take care of your implants like natural teeth, remember to share this information with your family and friends who are using dental implants too! Wouldn’t it be best to maintain our beautiful smiles for a lifetime?
Give us a call to know more about dental implants in Wendell and to book your appointment with our dentist today!
