Dental Implant Care | Columbus, OH Implant Dentist

The Ultimate Guide to Long-Lasting Dental Implants: Expert Tips and Tricks

Dental implants have become a popular solution for people missing one or more teeth. They offer a natural-looking and long-lasting solution to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. However, like any dental treatment, proper dental implant care is essential to ensure your implants last as long as possible. At Keep Smiling Columbus, our Columbus implant dentist Dr. Sam Latif helps his patients restore their stunning smiles and keep them healthy for a lifetime.

Read more about maintaining your dental implants in Dr. Latif’s guide to implant care.

Dental Implant Care: Tips and Tricks for Long-Lasting Results

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

One of the most important things you can do to care for your dental implants is to practice good oral hygiene. This consists of brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss at least once daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

While dental implants are designed to be durable, they can still be damaged by hard or sticky foods. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or anything that could damage your implants. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can also be problematic, as they can stick to your implants and cause damage.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can negatively impact oral health and increase your risk of implant failure. If you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your dental health. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs or products to help you quit.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups are essential for everyone, especially with dental implants. Your dentist can monitor the health of your implants and identify any issues before they become more serious. They can also perform a professional cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that could harm your implants.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your implants or causing gum irritation. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can scratch the surface of your implants and cause them to wear down over time.

Consider a Water Flosser

If you find flossing around your dental implants difficult, consider investing in a water flosser. These devices use a jet of water to clean between your teeth and around your implants, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.

Protect Your Implants

If you participate in contact sports or other activities where your mouth is at risk of injury, we recommend protecting your implants with a mouthguard. A mouthguard can help prevent damage to your implants and keep them in great shape for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can brush and floss your dental implant just like your natural teeth. However, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the implant or surrounding gum tissue. You may also want to consider using a water flosser or interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the implant.

If you experience pain, swelling, or bleeding around your implant, or if the implant feels loose or shifts when you chew, it may be a sign of a problem. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to have the implant examined.

With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, even decades. However, the lifespan of dental implants can vary depending on factors such as your oral hygiene habits, the quality of the implants, and your overall health.

Yes, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly after getting dental implants to ensure they’re in good condition and to monitor your oral health. Your dentist may recommend more frequent checkups and cleanings to help maintain your implants and prevent any potential problems.

Discuss Dental Implant Care with Dr. Latif

Taking care of your dental implants is essential if you want them to last for many years to come. By following the tips and tricks we’ve outlined in this article, you can maintain good oral hygiene and protect your implants from damage. Remember to practice good oral hygiene, avoid hard or sticky foods, quit smoking, visit your dentist regularly, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, consider a water flosser, and protect your implants during sports or other activities.

Contact our Columbus dental implant dentist today by calling (614) 459-7300 or filling out our online contact form to schedule your appointment. We’re happy to help patients in Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Worthington, OH.

Dental Implant Care in Columbus, OH