Secure Your Smile for Many Years with Implant Maintenance

Dental implants in Burke, Virginia, are an investment in your oral health, aesthetics, and confidence. However, like any investment, maintenance is vital to ensure it doesn’t wear out prematurely. Good news! Dental implants don’t need any special maintenance, especially after fully integrating with the jawbone.

Washington Periodontics would like to see your investment in implants last many years. Below is a comprehensive guide by Dr. Christine Karapetian on how to care for your implant-based restorations.

Why should I maintain my dental implants?

Although dental implants last many years, failure can happen. Peri-implantitis is a common cause of implant failure, which occurs when harmful bacteria attack the gums and the bone around the implant. Although several factors can cause peri-implantitis, poor maintenance is the common cause.

Implant failure is the last thing you’d want after investing time, effort, and resources into restoring your smile with dental implants. Implant failure also leads to discomfort, additional treatments, and prolonged recovery times.

Besides implant failure, poor implant maintenance can lead to broken restorations, loose implants, and gum recession. The good thing is that these pitfalls are preventable, and most are within your control.

How should I maintain dental implants?

Many patients love dental implants because of their durability. Whether replacing one or several teeth with dental implants, you can expect your restorations to last long. However, observe the maintenance tips below to get maximum longevity from your restorations.

  • Implant aftercare: Immediately after implant placement and throughout the healing process, it’s crucial to adhere to the doctor’s instructions to prevent unnecessary discomfort and ensure successful osseointegration. Take the prescribed medications and observe good oral hygiene to prevent infections at the implant site. Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, and other habits that may affect the healing. Ensure you adhere to follow-up dental appointments to monitor your treatment progress.

  • Brush and floss your teeth: Once your implants have healed and fully integrated with your jawbone, caring for them is as simple as maintaining your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes and ensure you reach every tooth surface. Additionally, floss at least once daily. 

  • Regular dental visits: Visit your dental office regularly for professional teeth cleanings. These cleanings remove tartar and plaque from hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. During your check-ups, we’ll also examine your mouth with visual exams and dental X-rays to detect and treat oral issues before they progress.

  • Kick out poor oral habits: Do you smoke? Now is the time to quit. Tobacco increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, which can compromise your implants. Similarly, avoid using your teeth to chew or bite on anything other than food. Using your teeth to open bottles or cut fingernails can break the crowns or dislodge your implant.

  • Invest in a mouthguard: Although dental implants are firmly embedded in the jawbone, they can become loose or even fall out from teeth-grinding forces or dental injuries. As such, wear a customized nightguard if you chronically grind your teeth. Also, use a mouthguard when participating in active or high-risk sports.

Want more information?

Do you still have questions about how to care for your new dental implants? We understand that maintaining newly restored teeth may come with some concerns, and we’re here to guide you through every step. Call (571) 569-7540 to speak with Dr. Karapetian and her team. We’ll provide personalized advice and help ensure your implants stay healthy and strong for many years.