6 Tips for Maintaining Dental Implants from Our Brooklyn, NY, Dentist
Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them a great option to restore your smile after experiencing tooth loss. However, like natural teeth, dental implants require care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and success. Below, our dental implant dentists in Brooklyn have compiled several essential tips for keeping your new smile healthy and beautiful.
Tip #1: Learn to Brush and Floss Correctly
A lot of patients brush too hard, neglect flossing, or are too nervous about ruining their implants to properly clean around them. But just like natural teeth, implants can develop plaque and tartar buildup, causing gum disease and potential implant failure.
Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day. If flossing is difficult, use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean around the implant and under your replacement tooth or bridge.
Tip #2: Know What Foods Are and Aren’t Friends
While dental implants are durable, they’re not indestructible. Chewing on hard or sticky foods, like raw nuts or caramels, can put excessive pressure on the implant.
Instead, opt for softer foods like cooked vegetables, soft fruits, and lean proteins. To avoid temptation, find alternatives to your favorites—puffed rice instead of popcorn, for instance. Also seek out foods that promote healthy teeth and gums, like citrus and green tea.
Tip #3: Stop Using Tobacco Products
Smoking can slow the healing process after surgery and increase the risk of implant failure. It also leads to gum disease, which, in turn, can cause bone loss around the implant and compromise its stability.
Consider this your wake-up call. Find a friend or support group to help you quit and talk to our dentists about resources we can provide.
Tip #4: Protect Your Mouth During Physical Activities
A blow to the mouth can loosen or dislodge an implant, requiring repair or replacement. We don’t want to spoil your fun—if you enjoy a pick-up game of basketball, are part of a hockey team, or like the catharsis of martial arts, go for it. Just protect your dental implants with a mouthguard. We can provide a custom one just for you.
Tip #5: Recognize the Signs When Something’s Wrong
While dental implants have a high success rate, complications can still occur. Be aware of the signs so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible:
- Implant Pain or Discomfort
- Gum Swelling or Inflammation
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting
- Loose or Wobbly Implant
- Changes in Implant Appearance
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact our emergency dentist in Brooklyn, NY, immediately for an evaluation.
Tip #6: Come in for Exams and Cleanings
We can monitor the condition of your implants and identify any issues before they become serious, so make sure to make it to your follow-up appointments every six months. During your check-up, our dental implant specialists can clean your implants and provide tips for improving your oral hygiene routine.
Invest in Your Smile at North Brooklyn Dental Care
Don’t stop investing in your oral health after you’ve received your dental implants. Our Brooklyn, NY, dental team wants to see you thrive long after your procedure. Follow these tips, check in with us, and enjoy your new look for years to come. If you’re interested in implants, check out our financing options and talk to us today.
