I’m always gratified to see how happy a patient is when they see how natural their smile looks with dental implants. Part of the reason for that is the way implants replace both the roots and crowns of missing teeth. As you know, the implant portion of your tooth is surgically rooted in your jawbone. Then, the appropriate restoration—a crown, bridge, partial or full denture—is attached. In order to ensure the longevity of your dental implants, you must maintain proper oral hygiene. As your Leesburg dentist, I’d like to offer some simple tips to help you take care of your implant-supported teeth.
Care for Your Implants, Care for Your Smile
With dental implants, Leesburg residents can truly enjoy a lifelong healthy and beautiful smile. This does, however, depend on making sure your implants are cared for daily by you as well as professionally in my office.
Implant-supported teeth are not only similar to natural teeth in form and function. Like your own teeth, their health largely depends on the condition of the surrounding gum and bone tissue. Plaque, that clear film that is produced in your mouth all day every day, can build up on dental implants as well as natural teeth. Therefore, removing plaque is essential, and you do so by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
Neglecting your daily oral hygiene can lead to a condition that is similar to periodontal disease. Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection that can invade and eventually destroy the gum and bone tissue that secures your implants. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss around an implant. This condition may necessitate extracting the implant and attached tooth restoration.
Cleaning Dental Implants
In some ways, keeping your dental implants clean is very much like keeping your teeth clean. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles, because hard bristles can scratch a restoration just like the enamel of your natural teeth.
When you floss, don’t skip your implant-supported teeth. Flossing removes plaque that can accumulate between implants or between implants and natural teeth. Gently move the floss up and down, taking care to reach all the way down to the gum line.
In addition to the care you provide at home, you also need to be sure to schedule regular dental checkups. During each visit, we will clean your teeth and dental implants, as well as, monitor the condition of your implants.
Call Your Leesburg Dentist Today
I would be happy to consult with you to see if dental implants are right for you, or to help you care for the ones you have. Contact Groy Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.