Having a nice new set of dental implants can make even The Grinch himself feel like a million bucks. However, just as with your natural teeth, if you don’t properly care for your dental implants, they can become decayed, infected, and can lead to a number of gum and bone problems.
Mucositis and Implantitis
We all know that if you don’t brush your natural teeth, you can get gingivitis and even periodontitis. However, did you know that by not brushing your implants you can suffer from something similar, called peri-implant mucositis? This common condition, includes gingivitis like symptoms that include inflamed gums and minor bleeding. If left untreated, your peri-implant mucositis can turn into a more aggressive form called peri-implantitis— which results in potential bone loss. If you notice the onset of mucositis, be sure to contact your dentist right away!
Proper Care for Your Dental Implants
• Post-operational Care
Just like with any form of surgical procedure, it’s important to follow detailed post-operational care instructions given to you by your oral surgeon. For the first few days after you get your implants, be careful to not brush your implant directly as this can cause your gums to become tender and inflamed. Also, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water after every meal in order to ensure that you don’t get any food trapped in your teeth.
• Long-Term Care
Just as it is recommended for you to see the dentist every six months to have your natural teeth inspected, the same theory applies to dental implants. Getting your dental implants professionally cleaned and inspected on a bi-annual basis will help to ensure that you don’t get any sort of cavities or other dental problems.
Taking care of your dental implants doesn’t have to be something to stress over. In fact, by simply brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, you can reduce the chances of any sort of oral infections or cavities. To learn more about how to properly care for your dental implants, contact our office today!
