The Do’s & Don’ts of Dental Implant Care

Once you’ve gotten dental implants, it’s easy to think the hard part is over. After all, your new teeth are durable and won’t suffer from tooth decay. However, the reality is that implants need regular maintenance to work well. They’ll end up failing earlier than they should otherwise. Luckily, your Northbrook dentist is here to keep that from happening. To that end, read on to learn the proper care tips for dental implants.

The “Do’s” of Dental Implant Care

If you want your implants to endure, there are several things you should do. These include:

• “Do” brush your implants twice daily – While implants don’t get cavities, they still require daily brushing. The habit keeps stain agents from discoloring your new teeth. Plus, it prevents gum disease that might trigger implant failure.
• “Do” use regular toothpaste – Normal toothpaste won’t damage your implants. Also, it’ll keep surrounding teeth and gums healthy.
• “Do” rinse with mouthwash – Mouthwash can reduce oral inflammation, which can cause problems for implants.
• “Do” see your dentist often – With regular checkups and teeth cleanings, dentists can treat your oral issues early. That way, they’ll stop potential threats to your implants.

The “Don’ts” of Dental Implant Care

Just as there are things you should do for implants, there are also things you shouldn’t. Such “don’ts” are:

• “Don’t” use ‘whitening’ toothpaste – Whitening toothpastes are abrasive, meaning they could damage your implants.
• “Don’t” employ your teeth as tools – If you try to open packages, bottles, or cans with implants, the prosthetics could chip or fail.
• “Don’t” rush back to eating normal foods – For a few days after implant surgery, stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, pudding, or mashed potatoes. Anything else would disrupt the healing process.
• “Don’t” drink through straws after surgery – The suction from a straw could dislodge your blood clot, leading to a dry socket.

Dental Implant Benefits

While the “do’s” and “don’ts” of implant care may seem extensive, they’re worth following. They let you experience your new teeth’s various upsides.

One such benefit is how implants look and act like natural teeth. Given their porcelain surfaces, they blend seamlessly with your smile. Furthermore, their titanium lets them fuse with your jaw. That means they’ll help you eat food without slipping or falling.

More crucially, implant care ensures your new teeth are long-lasting. The average implant, you see, has a lifespan of 15-20 years. With good maintenance, though, one can last for 30 years or more!

Ultimately, the proper care tips for dental implants are helpful. They’ll keep your newly-restored smile pretty and functional!

About the Practice

Northbrook Dental Group is based in Northbrook, IL. Led by Drs. James and Justin Woodruff, our practice offers convenient and comprehensive dental care. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, not to mention emergency smile treatments. We’re thus able to provide everything from dental checkups to top-tier dental implants! For more information or to book a visit, reach us at our website or by phone at (817)-594-3806.