Dental implant technology has experienced many advancements over the last several years, making the prosthetics mimic natural teeth almost perfectly. Once the prosthetic teeth are surgically inserted, you have a permanent solution to tooth loss that allows you to gain the same function and appearance benefits as natural teeth. However, even though implants closely mimic natural teeth, they do require a little extra care to ensure they function and look great for many years to come. As a dental implant dentist near Longview WA, we have everything you need to know about caring for your implants.
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental implant surgery has a nearly 100 percent success rate, however, if you don’t practice the proper home care, you can open the door to implant failure. The largest reason implants fail is due to infection. To decrease the possibility for infection, you need to keep your mouth as free from bacteria as possible. This will involve a few extra steps when you’re brushing and flossing. And, you’ll need to visit your dentist in Castle Rock regularly for monitoring and cleaning.
Implant Brushing Tips from Your Cosmetic Dentist
When choosing a toothbrush to care for your implants, there is no clear evidence that proves a manual is better or worse than an electronic toothbrush. The key is finding a soft bristled brush and nonabrasive toothpaste to get the job done without causing damage to the implant. You will need to brush your implants at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. Be sure to pay careful attention to the sides of the implant.
It’s often recommended to use nylon coated interdental brushes to help keep tight spaces clean. The small brushes will help clean around the posts and under the prosthesis to remove as much bacteria as possible. Then, it’s best to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove bacteria from places you may have missed.
Implant Flossing Tips from Your Dentist in Castle Rock
Just as with your natural teeth, you will need to floss your implant daily. In addition to flossing between the teeth, you will need to extend the floss as close as possible to the implant post. By wrapping the floss in a half-circle around the implant, you will clean the area more effectively. It’s best to choose a floss that is not waxed or one that’s specially designed for implants to protect your surrounding tissue.
Care from Your Dental Implant Dentist Near Longview WA
In addition to your home care regimen, you will also need to visit our office regularly for more in-depth cleaning. We will clean the areas you may have missed, as well as check the implant and your oral health for any signs of complications. Depending on the results of your evaluation, we may recommend additional products, such as oral irrigators or water flossers, to help keep your implants clean.
With the right care and dental products, your implants will continue to look and function great. Cowlitz River Dental provides the care you need to maintain your dental implants for a lifelong beautiful smile.