Getting a dental implant is a good option for replacing a missing tooth, but knowing how to clean and care for your dental implants is an important part of maintaining your dental health. Implants are a long-term investment, and taking good care of them helps extend their lifespan. 

A Quick Overview of Dental Implants

A dental implant is a part of replacing a tooth after it has been damaged, knocked out, or extracted. It is a small titanium post that serves as an artificial root for a porcelain crown. The implant is anchored to your jawbone and will integrate with the bone for a fully functioning tooth replacement once the crown is added. This dental procedure is typically done via a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia and takes a few months to heal.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

In order to prevent infection and ensure your dental implant heals properly, there are a few steps you can take to aid your recovery. 

  • Rest and Recovery: Take it easy for the first couple of days and avoid strenuous activity.
  • Pain Management: Use over-the-counter medication for pain relief and use ice packs to minimize swelling.
  • Dietary Recommendations: Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies, and avoid anything too hot, spicy, or crunchy.
  • Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse with warm salt water for 24 hours after surgery to keep the area clean and avoid brushing directly over the surgical site.

Long-Term Dental Implant Maintenance Tips

A dental implant can last you a lifetime if it’s taken care of properly. Keeping up with your regular check-ups means your dentist can ensure it is still in place. They will check its stability as well as your gums and bite alignment for any signs of movement. 

Apart from your twice-yearly appointments, following some basic dental care tips will help keep your implant in good condition for many years.

  • Monitor for teeth grinding and consider getting a night guard if needed to avoid damaging your crown and implant.
  • Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking protects your implant by reducing the risk of gum disease. 
  • Eat food rich in calcium and vitamin D that supports bone health to keep your jaw in good condition.
  • Stay hydrated to promote saliva production and help wash away bacteria that can cause dental issues.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly will benefit your oral health.

Things to Avoid to Protect Your Dental Implants

Just as there are good habits you should practice to avoid damaging your dental implant, there are others that should be avoided to protect it. 

It’s best to avoid chewing on harder items like ice or hard candy and refrain from using your teeth to open packaging or bottles. These activities can weaken your implant or cause your crown to chip or crack. Clenching your teeth can put too much pressure on the implant, potentially damaging its integrity and causing it to loosen. From an aesthetic standpoint, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine excessively can stain the crown attached to your implant. 

How to Recognize Potential Issues

While dental implants are a durable tooth replacement option, knowing what complications to look out for is part of dental implant maintenance. Contact your dentist right away if you notice:

  • Signs of Infection: Watch for persistent swelling, pain, redness, or unusual discharge around the implant.
  • Changes in Implant Mobility: If your implant feels loose or shifts when you bite, it requires immediate attention.
  • Gum Recession: Monitor for receding gums around the implant, as this can expose the metal post and compromise its stability.

Care for Your Implants With Help From Premiere Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Needing a tooth replacement might seem scary, but a dental implant is the first step toward restoring your smile. Learning how to care for and clean your dental implants will help you avoid future dental issues and ensure your implant lasts for years to come. 

Having a trustworthy, reliable dentist to perform the procedure and any necessary follow-up care will help extend the life of your implants. The team at Premiere Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offers dental implants and expert cleanings. Schedule an appointment to keep your smile looking its best.