Dentists consider dental implants to be the finest form of tooth replacement available because they offer a range of remarkable benefits that traditional restorations cannot match. Implants look, feel, and work just like real teeth, but one of the best of their qualities is that they are permanent. These appliances can last for thirty years or possibly a lifetime if they receive excellent care and maintenance, making them a smart investment for people who take oral hygiene seriously. Here’s a brief overview of how you can help your dental implants last for as long as possible.
Keep Up with Excellent Oral Hygiene
Another amazing thing about dental implants is that, unlike dentures and dental bridges that require special cleaning rituals, they only need the same oral care practices as natural teeth. This means that you’ll only need to keep up with a daily regimen that includes brushing at least twice as well as flossing and using antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate plaque and food debris that can lead to destructive oral infections.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental appointments allow your implants and natural teeth to receive care from a trained professional so that problems can be corrected early, and your dentist will also offer valuable advice for better oral hygiene at home. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone sees their dentist at least twice a year for routine exams and cleanings, but you may need to go to your local dental office slightly more frequently than that after receiving dental implants.
Kick a Few Bad Habits
Good habits are key to maintaining the health of your dental implants, but bad ones can lead to costly damage and early failure. Tobacco use in any form is utterly horrible for your oral health. While you’re probably aware of how it can lead to unsightly dental stains and bad breath, you may not be aware that it increases your risk of gum disease and makes implants more likely to fail. Excessive alcohol use is similarly destructive to the health of your gums, and using your natural or artificial teeth to open packages or bottles is a great way to chip, crack, or fracture them.
Your dental implants represent a long-term investment in your appearance, confidence, and oral and overall health. By giving them excellent care, you can help them serve you beautifully for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Ronald A. Moreno graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and spent five years in the Army Dental Corp before going into private practice. He proudly serves as a member of the Mount Baker District Dental Society and the American Dental Association. His office in Bellingham offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about proper dental implant care, contact his office online or dial (360) 676-0642.