Protect Your Dental Implants For A Lifetime of Radiant Smiles
Having dental implants is life-changing. You can smile, chew, and speak with confidence again. But implants require special care to last. In this blog, Dr. John Inigo discusses how to care for your implants properly. We’ll cover cleaning, what to avoid, and when to see our Mississauga, ON, dentist.
By following these tips, your implants will serve you well for years. Call East Credit Dental in Mississauga at (905) 567-1132 to book your next dental implant appointment!
Daily Dental Implant Care
Taking care of your dental implants is essential for oral health. You’ll want to brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush around the entire implant crown, being careful not to scrub too hard. You should also floss once a day using an implant-safe floss. Never use anything sharp or metal to poke around your implants.
Keeping the area around your implants very clean is key. Plaque and food particles can build up and cause infections if you don’t brush and floss properly. A clean mouth means healthy implants!
Professional Dental Implant Cleanings
No matter how well you brush and floss at home, you’ll still need professional cleanings from your Mississauga dentist. We recommend getting your dental implants professionally cleaned every six months.
During these visits, our dentist or hygienist will use special tools to remove any hardened plaque or tartar that has built up on your implants. We’ll also check that your implants are secure and look for signs of infection or bone loss.
What to Avoid With Dental Implants
Caring for dental implants isn’t just about what you should do — it’s also about what you shouldn’t do! There are a few things you’ll want to avoid to keep your implants in tip-top shape:
- Smoking: Smoking significantly increases your risk of implant failure and infection. If you smoke, quitting can be the best thing for your oral and general health.
- Crunchy/Sticky Foods: Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like toffee, hard candies, or ice can crack or dislodge your implant crowns. Be cautious with these treats.
- Teeth Whitening: Don’t use over-the-counter whitening products like strips or trays. Whitening will not affect the color of your restoration.
- Chewing Hard Objects: Never chew on pen caps, fingernails, ice cubes, etc. This can ruin or loosen your implants.
Following these tips goes a long way in preventing implant problems. A little care goes a long way!
Seeing Our Mississauga Dentist
Even with perfect oral hygiene, you’ll need regular dental visits to check your implants. Our dentist and hygienists use special tools to clean areas you can’t reach at home. We’ll inspect for any signs of infection or implant loosening.
Stick to your hygiene schedule for cleanings and exams — usually every six months. Call our Mississauga dentist at (905) 567-1132 if your implant feels loose or you develop pain or swelling. Catching issues early boosts your chances of resolving them successfully.
Dental Implant Problems to Watch For
Even with great care, dental implant issues can sometimes arise. Be on the lookout for:
- Gum inflammation or infection around the implant
- Loosening or movement of the implant crown
- Cracks, chips, or damage to the implant crown
- Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down
If you notice any of these problems, call our Mississauga dentist. Catching and treating implant issues early prevents bigger complications later on.
Contact Our Office For Your Dental Implant Consultation
Dental implants allow you to regain your smile’s beauty and functionality. With easy at-home care and routine dental visits, your implants can last a lifetime. Don’t neglect your implant maintenance — it’s vital for your oral health and investment. Schedule your next visit at East Credit Dental by calling (905) 567-1132 today!