General & Family Dentistry
Dental implants can restore your smile and improve your oral health, but how do you make them last for years? Implants are a long-term investment in your smile, and their durability requires proper care. If you don’t take good care of them, your implants may be in danger of complications.
This guide will share key care tips for your dental implants to help you maintain a healthy smile for many years.
Why Proper Care of Dental Implants is Important
Implants are designed to work just like natural teeth and should provide a solid foundation for replacement teeth. In fact, the titanium posts start fusing with your jawbone and serve as a long-lasting base for the missing teeth.
However, if not taken care of properly, dental implants are prone to certain problems, such as gum infection, implant failure, or discomfort. Poor cleaning, on the other hand, can lead to complications in both your implant and surrounding gums due to failure to follow certain recommendations set by your dentist. It is thus important to take the time to take care of your implants for optimal performance.
Post-Surgery Care for New Implants
Immediately after getting dental implants in West Seattle, your body needs time to recover. You can expect some swelling and discomfort around the area for a couple of days after surgery.
Manage pain with prescription medications and apply ice packs as needed. Adopt a soft-food diet while recovering and avoid hard or crunchy foods that might stress the area. Rest will help in healing. Therefore, you need to avoid strenuous physical activities for a few days.
Carefully follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of infection and ensure the implant integrates smoothly with your jawbone.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance for Long-Term Implant Health
Good oral hygiene is important to maintain the excellent condition of dental implants. Clean your implants at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste. Daily flossing will help remove plaque accumulation around the implant posts and prevent gum disease.
Regular visits to your dentist are important to check the health of your implants and address any concerns. Also, avoid bad habits like smoking, chewing on hard objects, or using your teeth as tools, as all these actions can damage your implants and affect their longevity.
How to Keep Your Smile Bright and Healthy with Implants
Professional cleanings will help your dental implants in West Seattle continue to look and work their best. By seeing your dentist every six months for cleanings, you can be sure that both your implants and natural teeth will remain free of plaque and tartar.
Help avoid plaque buildup on your implants by using special implant-safe cleaning products, such as special implant toothpaste and mouthwash, to keep the environment healthy. Also, pay attention to those foods and beverages that could cause discoloration, like coffee, tea, or tobacco. Minimize these to preserve their appearance.
Caring for your dental implants ensures they stay healthy and functional for many years. By following proper post-operative care, daily maintenance, and regular dental checkups, you will be able to enjoy the full benefits of your implants.
If you reside in West Seattle and would like professional advice on caring for your dental implants, book an appointment with Dr. Geoffrey at West Seattle Smile Co. today!
