Benefits of Dental Implant Maintenance
Dental implants are often assumed to be different from natural teeth in regards to maintenance, care, and cleaning. In reality, dental implants have basically the same maintenance and cleaning needs as regular teeth. Here are some basics and benefits regarding cosmetic dental implants in Houston, TX, and their maintenance.
Brush and Floss
Like natural teeth, dental implants from your cosmetic dentist have to be brushed and flossed regularly. Most dentists recommend that, if you receive cosmetic dentistry, you should treat your dental implants like regular teeth and brush and floss twice a day.
Oral Hygiene Aids
Like natural teeth, there are many cosmetic dentistry aftercare tools involved in taking care of dental implants. These include a soft, manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush, using low-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste, and using standard dental floss. Other aids that can be used include antimicrobial mouth rinses, specialized brushes for getting rid of plaque, and tablets to help address stains.
The Old Adage and Implants
The old dentistry adage is “be good to your teeth and they will be good to you.” That applies to dental implants. Not only is daily hygiene required, but you also have to visit your dentist regularly; the recommendation for dental visits is every three to six months for an exam and a cleaning. Additionally, dental implants should be examined via an x-ray once a year.
The Benefits
Like many things in life, the benefits of maintaining your dental implants are best described by what will happens if you don’t maintain them.
Mucositis
This is best indicated by bleeding around the base of the implant. It can be treated and reversed if caught early. The best way to avoid this is to brush and floss regularly.
Gum Decay
Gum decay is also a risk if you ignore the required maintenance of your dental implants. Basically, what happens is that bacteria eats away at the gum until the gum begins to deteriorate. Left untreated, this can result in the case of the dental implant being exposed, a greater risk of infection occurring, and even more complex and painful side effects.
Staining
Not taking care of your dental implants can lead to staining. This is not a health risk, but it can lead to your dental implants being obvious in your mouth. Why would you pay all that money to get cosmetic dental implants in Houston, TX, if you’re just going to let your implants become stained and clearly visible in your mouth?
Getting dental implants is the first step towards restoring mouth health as well as building confidence. They must be maintained on a regular basis, checked out by a dentist, and any complications quickly addressed before an annoyance becomes a crisis.