Dental implants have indeed changed the way tooth replacements are viewed today. This is because it offers stability, comfort and durability – things that other tooth replacement options lack.Dental implants are the only procedure that replaces a lost tooth in its entirety. You will not just get a prosthetic tooth, but also tooth roots in the form of the implanted titanium screws. Are dental implants truly long lasting? Yes, they are. In fact, dental implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Trusted dentist in Mill Creek, WA, Dr. Darren Greenhalgh, tells us the 5 ways to keep dental implants in great condition for life.
Keep your Teeth and Gums Clean and Healthy
There are a lot of good reasons why keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy is absolutely important.
- Clean, healthy teeth prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Complex and costly dental situations are avoided as well.
- Optimum oral health contributes to better physical well being.
- Clean, healthy teeth often translate to a beautiful smile.
- Clean, healthy teeth and gums are the perfect foundation for long lasting dental implants.
How does onemaintain good oral hygiene? The answer is simple: Brush and floss your teeth and take regular deep cleaning treatments. Brushing must be done after meals or at least 3 times a day. Flossing must be a part of your daily regimen, at least once a day, often done before bedtime. Take deep cleaning treatments at your dentist every 6 months. Bear in mind that while dental implants are impervious to decay, your natural teeth and gums remain prone to bacteria. Thus, keeping your teeth clean and healthy is of utmost importance for dental implants that last a lifetime.
Try Not to Use your Teeth as a Manipulative Device
Dental implants look and feel so natural that you may forget about them in time. Habits like fingernail biting, chewing ice and using your teeth to open plastic packaging or bottles are not good for your dental implants. The prosthetic tooth attached to the titanium screws can chip or get damaged. To prevent this from happening do not bite hard objects. As a rule of thumb, only bite or chew edible items.
Keep Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks to a Minimum
Even if the prosthetic tooth of your implants are made of stain resistant materials, it is still best to take stain-causing foods and drinks at a minimum. Stains from food that are not immediately brushed or washed off can become permanent, therefore, affecting the appearance of your teeth. To prevent tooth discoloration, refrain from drinking dark teas, coffee, soda, red wine and berries regularly.
Consider Using a Mouth Guard
A mouth guard is a highly recommended oral appliance for those who engage in contact sports and risky activities and for those who habitually clench or grind their teeth. It protects the teeth and dental implants from potential trauma and from the extreme pressure of bruxism (teeth grinding). This device can help you maintain your dental implants in good condition for life.
Visit your Dentist Regularly
Even if dental implants aren’t real teeth, it’s still important to visit your dentist regularly. The dentist will need to check on your dental implants periodically, as well as the condition of your natural teeth and gums. He will perform preventive and restorative care when necessary to keep your teeth and gums in their healthiest state. Regular dental visits are an important part of good dental implant maintenance.
For quality dental implants in Mill Creek, WA, visit us, at Pacific Northwest Smiles. Dr. Darren Greenhalgh is a skilled, experienced dental implant specialist. Trust him to do a great job in completing your smile with dental implants. You mayschedule your appointment online or give us a call at(425) 357-6400
(425) 357-6400.
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