Before, during, and after you get your dental implants, it is critical to care for them properly to maintain their health and longevity. A specific dental hygiene regimen is required to keep your implants clean and devoid of bacteria and plaque that can infect the tissue surrounding the implant. In addition, to prevent developing peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that can cause implant loss, patients should maintain a persistent dental hygiene regimen. With his years of experience, Dr. Roger Suter and the team at All Smiles Dental at Clarksburg, West Virginia, will guide you on properly caring for your dental implants, ensuring their health and functionality.
Based on the individual case, home-care recommendations provided by your dentist can differ. However, the following general guidelines help care for your implants properly at home.
Steps on caring for implants
- Choose safe home care products
It is essential to choose a toothpaste or a gel that will not scratch the exposed surfaces of your implant. If possible, avoid using products with stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride (APF >3.0), baking soda, stain removers, and smoker’s toothpaste. In addition, there is low-abrasive toothpaste that is effective yet unsafe for implant patients.
- Use an effective toothbrush
Brushing your teeth twice daily to eliminate plaque buildup is an integral part of the routine care of your implants. Sonic, electric, or manual toothbrushes are equally effective for implants, according to research. A soft toothbrush is appropriate since you want to avoid scratching or harming the site of your implants. It is best to avoid a toothbrush with hard bristles or any metal instrument to clean your teeth once you have implants.
Flossing is imperative to maintain the health of your dental implants. Regular flossing of your teeth will help remove plaque buildup and avoid potential issues. In addition, you should use implant-specific floss or unwaxed tape to safeguard the tissue surrounding the implant.
Call us today at (304) 623-9188 to consult with Dr. Roger Suter and the All Smiles Dental team in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Share this Article