People considering dental implants may wonder about the precautions they should take to maintain this permanent fixture. While they are designed to last a lifetime, proper care is essential to preserving their longevity.
This guide outlines the do’s and don’ts of having dental implants to help you enjoy a healthy, confident smile.
Do's
Adhere to All Instructions
Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions is important for the success of your dental implants. These guidelines include recommendations for cleaning, eating, and taking prescribed medications. Skipping these instructions can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
For example, during the initial healing phase, adhering to a soft food diet is meant to avoid putting pressure on the implant site. Similarly, completing your course of prescribed medication helps reduce risk of infections, ensuring a smooth recovery.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene should not be overlooked. Just like natural teeth, implants are susceptible to plaque buildup and gum disease if neglected. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush ensures that the implant and adjacent areas are thoroughly cleaned without damaging sensitive tissues.
Flossing is equally important and should be done using tools designed for dental implants, such as implant-specific floss or water flossers. We recommend incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your routine to enhance protection against harmful bacteria that could compromise your implant.
Attend Regular Checkups
Routine dental visits are part of implant maintenance. During these visits, your provider will check the health of your implants and surrounding gums, identifying any early signs of issues such as peri-implantitis. Professional cleanings at these visits help remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing might not reach.
By arranging checkups at least twice a year, you can make sure that your dental implants remain in optimal condition.
Use a Mouthguard When Necessary
If you take part in activities that pose a risk to your teeth, protect your implants with a mouthguard. A custom-made mouthguard is a worthy investment for individuals who participate in contact sports.
Wearing a mouthguard consistently during these activities provides a protective barrier, safeguarding both your implants and natural teeth from unnecessary strain.
Don'ts
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Hard and sticky foods pose a significant risk to the integrity of your dental implants. Biting into hard substances, such as ice, nuts, or hard candies, can chip or crack the crowns on your implants.
Similarly, sticky foods like caramel or toffee can dislodge the implant or irritate the surrounding gum tissue. During the healing phase, sticking to soft foods and avoiding anything that could disrupt the implant site is especially important.
Don't Use Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to crack open bottles, bite nails, or perform other non-food-related tasks is a habit that should be avoided at all costs. This practice can cause undue stress on your implants and natural teeth, leading to chips, cracks, or other damage.
Instead, use appropriate tools such as scissors or bottle openers to accomplish these tasks. Preserving the integrity of your dental implants starts with treating them with care and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Excessive consumption of high-sugar and acidic foods can harm your natural teeth and dental implants. Sugary foods contribute to plaque buildup, leading to gum disease if not managed.
Acidic foods, such as cheese and sodas, can erode the protective enamel on your natural teeth and irritate the gum tissue around your implants. While occasional indulgences are okay, you must rinse your mouth with water afterwards to neutralise acids and maintain oral health.
Don't Ignore Pain or Discomfort
Pain or discomfort around your dental implant should never be underestimated, as it could indicate an underlying issue. Persistent discomfort might signal infection, implant failure, or another complication that requires immediate attention.
Contact your dentist promptly if you have swelling, redness, or sensitivity near the implant site. Address these to prevent them from escalating into more serious problems.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Many people choose to have dental implants because of these advantages:
- Natural appearance: Implants closely replicate the look and feel of natural teeth.
- Improved functionality: Implants enable you to chew and speak with ease.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last forever.
- Bone preservation: Implants reduce the risk of bone loss in the jaw.
- Enhanced confidence: A complete smile boosts self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Dental Implants by Orchard Scotts Dental
Dental implants replace missing teeth, restoring aesthetics and functionality. However, their success and longevity depend on how well you care for them.
At Orchard Scotts Dental, we will guide you through your dental implant journey. We specialise in providing high-quality dental implant services in Singapore, ensuring precise placement and long-term success.
Trust your smile to experts who prioritise your comfort and satisfaction. Contact us to learn more about our dental implant services.