There’s a reason dentists and patients love dental implants — when you need to replace a tooth, it’s the closest you can get to the real thing. That’s because it functions like a natural tooth root.
Our team at The Dental Touch loves the results implants provide people with missing teeth. We even offer state-of-the-art All-on-6™ or All-on-4™ techniques, a solution that allows us to support full sets of dentures with four or six strategically placed dental implants.
When you get a dental implant, we surgically place a metal post in your jawbone to support the toothlike crown. That makes it a more involved process than other treatment options, like bridges and dentures. However, once it’s in place, your jawbone grows around the implant, so it fuses in place, offering the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth. And, when cared for properly, an implant can last a lifetime.
With these advanced implant techniques, you can get temporary teeth in a single visit, and your permanent teeth within 3-6 months when your jaw bone completely heals. Then, simply follow these five simple tips to protect them for the years to come.
Dental implants are almost as good as the real thing, thanks to the synthetic root anchored securely in your jawbone. That also makes our first recommendation fairly straightforward — just brush twice a day!
Brushing twice daily is the first line of defense in fighting cavities and maintaining oral and overall health. For the best results, use a soft-bristled brush and clean for a minimum of two minutes each time.
When you skip brushing, you run the risk of bacteria settling on your teeth or gumline, which can compromise your oral health and your implant.
Flossing may seem like a pain, but it’s the best way to stop unwanted bacteria from collecting on your teeth and gums.
Our team recommends flossing once a day to eliminate plaque and food particles that can get stuck in hard-to-reach places, like between your teeth. Remember, you don’t have to use dental floss; you can get equally great results with other interdental cleaners like floss picks or water flossers.
Even if you follow the best oral hygiene practices, it’s crucial for your dental implant and oral health to schedule regular professional cleanings. These appointments not only thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and gums, but we also look for other potential issues.
At the end of the day, regular dental care can help avoid serious complications and treatments in the future by identifying and addressing problems before they arise.
It’s always important to keep an eye on your teeth and gums, but it’s essential when you have an implant. Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore include:
If you notice these issues, contact your dentist. And don’t wait if you’re between visits, especially if you have a history of implant problems, gum disease, or diabetes.
Last but not least, you’re going to want to quit smoking if you get dental implants. This habit may be tough to kick, but it increases your risk of implant failure and other oral health issues, including gum disease and cancer.
Curious to learn more about dental implants? Schedule a consultation with our experts at The Dental Touch in Oakland, California, by calling 510-244-2737 or booking an appointment online today.
