While dental implants are a restoration that can last a lifetime, they need to be properly taken care of to do so. Routine care is essential for making your restoration lasts as long as possible. The team at Elevate Dental Implant Center discusses how to make your Hanover, MD dental implants last.
Maintain a Full Oral Healthcare Routine
Just because the teeth aren’t natural doesn’t mean you don’t have to take care of them. A proper oral healthcare routine needs to be followed. Brush at least twice a day and floss as well. While the implants can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth, avoid a toothbrush that has hard bristles, as they can scratch your implants. Look for oral care products that are ideal for sensitive teeth.
Watch What You Eat
Though dental implants give you back 100% of your bite function, there are still foods you may want to avoid for the sake of your implants. If food is extremely sticky, chewy, or hard, you may find they have detrimental effects on your implants. While treating yourself every once in a while is okay, make sure you eat these things in moderation.
Be Vigilant About Bruxism
Bruxism happens when you clench or grind your teeth together. It typically happens while you’re sleeping or you find yourself doing it subconsciously throughout the day. You tend to notice it, especially if you’ve had an accidental trauma to your mouth or if you’re currently experiencing a lot of stress.
You typically notice a problem with bruxism if you wake up with a headache or jaw pain. And it can cause problems with your implants. The bond between the bone and the implant post can weaken due to constant grinding. It can also cause damage to the dental crown or restoration. Look into getting a nightguard to avoid the teeth coming together during sleep.
Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
Avoiding these things is especially important for the first 72 hours after the surgery that places the implant posts in your jaw. During these few days, your body is reconstructing tissue and healing. It’s especially vulnerable during this time. Nicotine and other chemicals can constrict blood vessels and you get less blood flow to the soft tissues.
These substances in general also cause problems with your oral health. Though implant restorations are made of materials that are resistant to things like staining, tobacco use will still lead to staining on the teeth. Alcohol and tobacco also contribute to conditions like dry mouth, which makes it harder for saliva to wash out food particles and bacteria.
Getting Dental Implants in Hanover, Maryland
With the proper caretaking, dental implants can last you a lifetime. Call us or schedule an appointment online.