Living with an incomplete smile due to tooth loss is often distressing for a patient. Once you’ve completed your replacement dental treatment and you have a replacement tooth, the last thing you want to do is to have to replace a damaged dental restoration shortly after. Today I’m going to give you some tips on how to maintain dental implants, so that you’ll be able to enjoy your restored smile for years to come.
Dental implants are comprised of a dental screw on the bottom, and a natural looking dental restoration on the top. The titanium dental screw is surgically implanted into the jawbone to ensure that the implant stays in place. The restoration is then attached on top of the screw to serve as the functional replacement tooth. In order to maintain the dental implant, you need to care for it as you would a natural tooth and safeguard it against damage.
Clean your dental implant
To care for your dental implant, make sure to brush and floss normally—just as you would with your natural teeth. Maintain your regular schedule of twice annual dental cleanings so that your dentist can clean your dental implant and check to make sure that it’s structurally sound.
Protect your dental implant from damage
Sound dental practices can ensure that your dental implant will last for years to come. The greatest threats to dental implants are Bruxism (grinding or clenching of the teeth) and chewing hard and abrasive substances, like hard candies and ice.
Dental implants can last for more than a decade with proper care. Take the time to clean your teeth and dental implants, and avoid grinding your teeth and chewing on hard substances to maximize your dental health. Our Saint Louis dental office can help you keep your smile in tiptop shape—just give us a call.