If you’ve got damaged, decayed, or missing teeth, dental implants are your best bet at restoring your teeth and bringing more confidence to your smile. They’re designed to resemble and function like your natural teeth with added reinforcement, which means they aren’t vulnerable to disease or decay. For this reason, they’re an excellent solution for maintaining a full set of teeth if any get damaged due to infection or accident.
However, that doesn’t mean dental implants are indestructible. They also require care and maintenance, like your real teeth, to ensure they last long. Here’s what you need to know about dental implants:
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants can be described as prosthetic roots of teeth that dentists fit into your jawbone, where they will fuse and act like your original teeth. They’re handy for resolving all sorts of dental issues related to tooth loss or decay.
There are three dental implant types available:
- Endosteal implants are the most common type, although they are used only for patients with healthy jawbones.
- Subperiosteal implants are the leading alternative for endosteal implants, most recommended for patients who do not have sufficient jaw bone.
- Zygomatic implants are the least used since it involves a complex surgical procedure. It is prescribed for patients with partially or entirely absent jawbones.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many advantages to dental implants. For starters, they prevent further bone loss in the jaw, which often accompanies tooth loss. It also encourages the stimulation of the jaw bone.
Dental implants also play a critical role in strengthening a patient’s bite force, helping them masticate more efficiently. Lastly, implants are made to resemble your original teeth, which means they provide better aesthetic value. It also restores confidence in the patient, especially in their smile.
The Dos and Don’ts of Dental Implant Care
To ensure dental implants last as long as possible, patients must take good care of them. Here are some guidelines to follow:
The Dos:
Patients must brush and floss their dental implants as they do with their natural teeth, particularly after each meal. However, they must use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed especially for cleaning implant teeth. They can also use interdental brush heads, which are excellent for gently cleaning the section where gums and implants meet.
Unwaxed floss effectively reduces gingivitis and bleeding, which may occur when dental implants are freshly installed. Patients must also avoid sugary foods that lead to plaque, as it can damage their gums. It is also best to use toothpaste with fluoride or with the ADA seal acceptance.
Patients must take some precautions to care for dental implants. Patients must slice large food items into tiny pieces before eating. It is also recommended to consume soft foods like creamy soups, applesauce, milkshakes, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes for a few days post-surgery. They must also use an antimicrobial mouth rinse that contains chlorhexidine-gluconate, which fights against plaque-causing bacteria. Lastly, patients should schedule regular appointments at their dentist office in Orpington to ensure everything is in good working order.
The Don’ts:
On the other hand, patients must avoid toothpaste with baking soda or active charcoal, which are made to brighten or whiten teeth. They are abrasive on implant teeth, compromising their strength and quality. Patients must stay away from spitting or sucking through straws after surgery, as it can induce bleeding. They should also avoid smoking, which can lead to dental issues.
Patients will need to be gentle with their dental implants, which means they should not open packages with their teeth or consume hard, crunchy foods post-surgery. It is also best to steer clear from sugary, sticky foods like caramel apples, taffy, hard candies, and ice.
Conclusion
Many patients are devastated when losing a tooth, impacting their chewing and speaking ability while affecting their smile. Fortunately, dental implants are the perfect solution, as they provide a durable replacement for damaged or missing teeth while looking natural. Still, it is crucial to take good care of them to make sure they last long and prevent dental issues from reoccurring.
H Williams & Associates is a private clinic in Orpington offering a full suite of dental and medical services, including dental implants, teeth aligners, and teeth whitening. We are determined to help you keep your teeth healthy and strong for life through our patient-centric care. Contact us today to book an appointment!