Dental implants are becoming more and more common. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry estimates that 3 million Americans have implants, and that amount is expected to grow by half a million every year. With that number rising, it’s important for people to know how to care for their dental implants. Keep reading as we talk about how important it is to practice good oral care after getting dental implants in Rolling Meadows.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to mimic the structure of a tooth root. After your dentist in Rolling Meadows installs your implant, you will be given 3 to 6 months to heal as the post integrates itself with your jawbone.
What Happens When I Don’t Take Care of My Dental Implants?
Just like your natural pearly whites, problems can arise if you neglect to care for your implants. If you don’t regularly brush and floss around your implant, bacteria can build up and cause an infection around the titanium posts in your jaw. This condition is known as perio-implantitis and it can lead to gum inflammation and bone loss that can cause the implant to fail. Taking proper care of your implants is essential to their success.
How Can I Take Care of a Single Implant?
Here are some tips for how to care for a single implant:
- Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush under and around the implant crown.
- Floss every day. Ask your dentist about implant-specific floss.
- Use an oral irrigator recommended by your dentist.
How Can I Care for Implant-Retained Dentures?
Implant-retained dentures, also known as overdentures, are false teeth held in place by implants. They are still removable, but are much more stable than traditional dentures. Here are some ways of taking care of them:
- Remove your denture and soak it in denture cleaner as prescribed by your dentist.
- Alert your dentist if your O-rings, locator caps, or clips are worn or missing.
- Use a denture brush to gently brush the underside of the denture.
- Replace O-rings and locator caps once a year.
Just because you’re missing teeth doesn’t mean you can slack on your oral hygiene routine. Be sure to implement these habits to ensure that your implant lasts a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Ye Wang studied dentistry in China before moving to the United States and graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Most dentists have to refer implant surgery to an outside specialist, but Dr. Wang can perform the surgery herself right in her own office, so you’ll be around the team you know and trust. To learn more about how to take care of your dental implants, or to get implants in the first place, contact Dr. Wang by calling (847)-221-5860.