5 Recommended Tips to Maintain Your Dental Implants

Dental implants have long been a popular solution for anyone who needs a full mouth restoration. They’re ideal for patients who need to have decayed or damaged teeth removed or need to fill gaps created by missing teeth. 

Many dentists and prosthodontists prefer all-on-x-dental implants above many other treatment options because of their long-term success rate. It’s important to note that these treatments require additional care from the patient to maintain their functionality and appearance. 

What are All-On-X-Dental Implants?

If you’re getting ready to have dental implants, you may be wondering what the process involves. Fortunately, it’s not as complex as you may first think. The all-on-x-dental procedure is similar to the all-on-4-dental option in that titanium posts are placed in strategic places in each mouth arch. 

Both procedures involve adding a plate of teeth over the posts, which fills the gaps between each post. The only difference between these procedures is that the all-on-4 only has four posts while the all-on-x can have up to six or eight posts. The number of posts you need will depend on the number of gaps you have in your mouth. 

Your prosthodontist will use titanium as this material is generally the preferred choice because of its durability, strength, and compatibility with existing bone and tissue. In addition to this, titanium posts are easy to maintain, and you can easily incorporate care into your daily dental routine. 

Dental Implant Maintenance is Essential

The number one aspect to keep in mind is that the durability and functionality of your new implants depend on how well you care for them. Your prosthodontist will give you a list of the best steps to take to maintain your new implants. 

These will be based on your specific oral health and the types of implants you have received. However, there are a few general steps that you can take to ensure that your new teeth stay healthy and functional. Here are the most basic tips. 

1. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

The number one tip we recommend is that you visit your dentist or prosthodontist regularly. Just because you have new teeth doesn’t mean you don’t need expert inspections anymore! Your dental implants will require regular cleanings, and your dentist will also be able to ensure that your implants are still functioning as they should. 

Many of your routine visits will involve removing and plaque build-up, assessing potential signs of implant failure and also whether your new teeth are affecting the surrounding gums. Your dental specialist will also check for peri implantitis which is inflammation that sometimes forms around the soft tissue around your implants. 

This is typically caused by bacteria build-up and may require a more stringent cleaning routine. Be sure to ask your prosthodontist for a recommendation for the best type of mouthwash to use to combat this type of inflammation. 

2. Stop Smoking

If you’re a smoker, you will need to quit this habit. This is primarily because tobacco products can be detrimental to the healing and subsequent maintenance of your new implants. Your prosthodontist may encourage you to stop smoking a few days before the procedure. For best long-term results, quitting altogether is a good idea. 

3. Brush and Floss

Your new dental implants will require the same, perhaps even better care than you were giving your original teeth. This involves brushing and flushing at least twice daily. You will need to switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush combined with a low-abrasive toothpaste that offers tartar control. 

When flossing, be sure to get in between the abutments. These are the connective tissues that attach the dental implant to the dental plate (prosthesis). Speak to your prosthodontist about recommending a water flosser which has been designed to clean dental implants. 

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4. Watch What You Eat

Once your mouth has healed, you may be tempted to indulge in all your favourites that you may have been missing out on. While one of the goals of all-on-x-treatments is to allow you to go back to being able to eat what you want, it’s essential to watch out for the foods that can damage your teeth. 

Consider these simple dietary tips to get you started:

• Avoid very hard foods which can include raw vegetables such as carrots. 
• Refrain from eating sticky candies such as gum. 
• Let hot drinks such as tea and coffee cool slightly before drinking. 
• Avoid foods such as beetroot that can cause staining. 
• Don’t chew on ice. 

5. Look Out for any Issues

There’s always the risk of implant failure. This happens when your implant doesn’t integrate well with surrounding tissues. It can also happen when your implants become infected. Regular checkups will help detect this early. 

Between dental visits, you can keep an eye out for unusual swelling, pain, or any implants that have become loose. Early intervention can save your implant. 

Final Thoughts

Investing in new dental implants will require the right amount of aftercare and maintenance to ensure that they remain functional and healthy. Speak to your prosthodontist for the best ways to care for your new teeth and enjoy your new smile!