How do I take great care of my dental implants so they last a long time?
One of the best benefits of dental implants is that they are relatively easy to take care of. Because they mimic your natural teeth, you can brush and floss them normally. If you have an implant-supported bridge, you may need special floss to get the job done. All great care begins with excellent home dental hygiene habits.
Brushing and flossing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help you to prevent periodontal (gum) disease and decay. Periodontal disease is the biggest enemy when it comes to dental implants. Having an active infection in your gums puts your implant at risk because bacteria could cause gum disease and bone loss.
Avoiding Infection
Your gums and bone are what holds your implant in place. If you have gum recession or bone loss, your implant root may become loose and fall out. Having excellent home care and calling us if you ever see any signs of infection is the best way to avoid trouble.
Call immediately if you experience redness, swelling, inflammation, soreness, or bleeding. We can do an exam in our office and hopefully stop any serious problem before it starts.
Making and keeping your regularly scheduled exam and cleaning appointments are the best way to protect the investment you made in your smile.