Caring for Dental Implants

Imagine getting a hip replacement and never again having to worry about the health and condition of your hip. You could run, jump and twist at will without a care in the world. As perfect as this sounds, it’s simply too good to be true. As with any type of surgery, restorative work requires great care and maintenance to ensure the best results. The same goes for dental implants. At Smile Creations, we offer dental implants and find it important for patients to seek care and maintenance long after the surgery.

Dental Implant Maintenance

A dental implant is the most effective way to replace a missing tooth. The procedure requires placing a titanium implant deep into your jawbone. This implant replaces the missing root of the tooth. While other tooth replacement options only replace the visible part of the tooth, implants also replace the tooth root below the gum line. This makes for a very stable and permanent restoration. However, this also makes for a lengthy procedure that can take up to 9 months from start to finish. While maintaining your oral care during the length of the procedure is important, it is just as important to practice healthy cleaning habits after the procedure.

How To Care For Your Implant Post-Surgery

It’s true that dental implants cannot develop cavities. Implants are created from zirconium or titanium- both of which are materials that are not susceptible to bacteria as normal teeth are. However, the teeth surrounding the implant can easily become infected. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis can help prevent cavities in teeth surrounding your implant.

What your implant is susceptible to, however, is peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is an infectious disease that creates inflammation in the tissues surrounding the implant. If left untreated, this condition can result in loss of jawbone. In order to prevent peri implantitis, we suggest brushing and flossing regularly around the implant. Routine follow up visits to your dental office can also help our dentist treat and spot any inflamed areas or spot any other developing issues.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants and whether they are right for you, visit our page on dental implants. For more information on how to care for your dental implants after surgery, visit our office or call us today to schedule an appointment at (512) 280-8800.