How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

Dental implants have quickly become one of the most popular tooth-replacement treatment options available. They are preferred by most patients and dentists because they offer several advantages over other restorative treatment options. Dental implants look, feel, and work just like natural teeth, and they provide direct stimulation to the jawbone supporting its health too. 

The only drawback to getting a dental implant is the length and complexity of the treatment. The process can take months to complete. So, it's important for patients who have undergone the treatment process to understand how to properly care for and preserve their new dental implants. 

What You Need to Know to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

To care for your dental implants, you should understand a bit about how your implant actually works. A dental implant is a type of dental prosthetic that consists of three parts: 

• the implant anchor, a metal, screw-like device that is implanted directly into the jawbone, 
• a metal abutment that connects the anchor to the visible portion of the dental implant,
• and the dental crown, the visible portion of the implant that resembles a natural tooth. 

Since a dental implant is implanted in the jawbone, it's essential that patients maintain their oral health in order to preserve the health of their gums and jawbone that support the dental prosthetic. If your oral hygiene lapses, you could put yourself at risk of developing periodontal disease (gum disease) which could lead to the deterioration of the jawbone and compromise the integrity of your dental implant. 

How to Care for Your Dental Implants

At-Home Oral Hygiene

Dental implants can primarily be cared for in much the same way that you care for your natural teeth. You should brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Be sure to use good brushing technique, using a soft-bristled brush and holding it at a 45-degree angle against your gums and teeth. 

You should also floss at least once or twice a day to clean the hard-to-reach surfaces between the teeth. 

You can also rinse with an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to help combat the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease inside your mouth. 

Use a Water Flosser

If you aren't already using a water flosser, we often suggest that patients with dental implants add one to their at-home oral hygiene routine. These flossers spray powerful jets of water that blast away plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and below the gumline. They're especially useful for cleaning thoroughly around a dental implant. 

Wear a Mouthguard

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night (i.e. suffer from bruxism) or participate in athletic activities, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect the integrity of your dental crown. Damaged crowns can be easily and painlessly replaced, but it's always best to get the most out of your existing dental restorations. 

Continue With Regular Professional Dental Care

Be sure to continue visiting the dentist at least twice a year (or on your personally recommended schedule) to maintain good oral health. 

Overcoming Dental Anxiety for a Stress-Free Dental Implant Treatment Experience

While the process of getting dental implants can be fairly lengthy and complex, we encourage our patients - even those who suffer from dental anxiety - to consider the treatment because dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth-replacement alternatives. Plus, we ensure the process is as painless and stress-free as possible with a variety of sedation dentistry treatment options that are designed to help our patients stay comfortable, calm, and relaxed throughout their dental appointments. 

If you are concerned about an additional dental sedation cost, we encourage you to speak with our team about your dental care budget. We can work with you and your insurance company to help you determine the treatment plan that can best meet your oral health and your budgetary needs. 

Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry With Our Dentist in Bolingbrook

If you've been looking for a "sedation dentist near me," then look no further than 311 Dental. We offer a comprehensive list of sedation dentistry options from light, conscious sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and moderate conscious sedation with oral medications to general anesthesia via IV sedation. Each of our sedation dentistry options is designed to help our patients overcome dental anxiety so that they can enjoy positive, comfortable experiences while getting the dental care they need to stay healthy. 

To learn more about how sedation dentistry can help you relax during all types of dental appointments or to learn more about the process of getting and caring for dental implants, we welcome you to contact 311 Dental to request an appointment with our dentist in Bolingbrook today. 

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