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Dental Implant Care
Your Implant Hygiene
One of the major benefits of dental implants is how easy it is to care for them.
While dentures must be removed nightly, you take care of your dental implants the same way you care for your natural teeth — by visiting Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly for regular checkups and following an effective home care regimen. That means brushing and flossing twice a day, every day.
The main difference between caring for your implants and caring for your natural teeth is that you want to select hygiene products that are gentle for use with your implants. It’s important to avoid scratching the implants and you don’t want to aggravate the soft tissue around your dental implant.
Why Good Hygiene is So Important
One of the most significant risks to implants is peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the soft tissue around your dental implants.
Peri-implantitis often develops without obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to visit Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly for regular checkups so we can continue to monitor your oral health and the status of your implants.
The Best Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Studies indicate that you can effectively clean around your implant using either an electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush. Soft or extra soft bristles are recommended to avoid scratching the implants.
It’s important to brush for at least two minutes, thoroughly covering all sections of your smile. Many electric toothbrushes have timers to remind you to brush long enough.
It’s important to stay away from toothpaste containing abrasive ingredients that could damage your implants.
Avoid all of the following types of toothpaste:
- smokers’ toothpaste
- stain-removing toothpaste
- toothpaste containing baking soda, sodium fluoride, or stannous fluoride.
The Best Mouthwash for Implants
Make sure to avoid any type of teeth-whitening mouthwash or mouthwash that contains alcohol. Alcohol causes dry mouth and this interferes with your body’s natural ability to protect itself against infection.
The Best Interdental Cleaner
It’s important to use nylon-coated floss with your dental implants. You can also choose floss that’s specifically designated for use with dental implants.
If you use an interdental brush, make sure to get a plastic-coated interdental brush because brushes with metal wires can irritate the soft tissue around your implants.
Studies also indicate that the Waterpik water flosser is safe and effective for use with dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I avoid right after getting dental implants?
To best care for your dental implants, try to avoid the following after your procedure:
- Smoking
- Excessive rinsing
- Hard or hot foods
- Drinking through a straw
- Intense exercise
Avoiding these things will help you heal faster and prevent you from damaging your new dental implants.
What are the best ways to care for my dental implants?
Since your dental implants are replacements for your natural teeth, you can care for them in a similar way. While they won’t stain or decay, they are susceptible to bacteria that accumulate without proper brushing and flossing. Make sure to be diligent with your brushing and flossing, use the type of toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash we recommend, and visit us regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
How long will my dental implants last with proper care?
As long as they are properly cared for, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. They are the only type of permanent tooth replacement.
