How To: Properly Care for Dental Implants

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, a whopping 3 million people have dental implants and an additional 500,000 implants are placed each year! This popular restorative procedure grew by nearly 7% between 2019 and 2020 alone, and it is widely known for its ability to restore the smile, bite force, and speech of patients who are missing teeth. However, did you also know that they hold an impressive 95% success rate if they are taken care of properly? Read on for four ways you can boost the longevity of your dental implant. 

Step #1: An Emphasis on Oral Hygiene

While other restorative dentistry options are effective, few are as low maintenance as dental implants. In fact, you can take care of yours by applying the same consistent oral hygiene regimen you use for your natural teeth! Therefore, make sure to clean them frequently by:

• Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Flossing daily.
• Using a non-alcoholic mouthwash to fight the bacteria that causes plaque, bad breath, and gingivitis.
• Opting for a non-abrasive toothpaste.

Step #2: Routine Visits to Your Dentist for Exams and Cleanings

All too often, patients look at their bi-yearly visits as optional. However, your routine appointments aren’t just to check cavities, they are to examine your teeth and gums, ensure you are healing properly, and even check for non-dental issues. Plus, the tools your dentist has at their office are more powerful than the ones you have at home, which provides you with a superior clean. To ensure your dental implant is successful in both the short and long-term, make sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year.

Step #3: Follow the Food Restrictions

Whether it is an at-home movie night that has you reaching for popcorn or a warm summer day that has you chewing on some sweet taffy, it can be oh-so-tempting to throw your food restrictions to the side. However, it is crucial to the integrity of your dental implant that you follow all the instructions given to you by your dentist regarding which foods you should avoid. That way, your dental implants can remain in pristine condition.

Step #4: Focus on Eating a Clean Diet

Although dental implants are cavity-resistant, it is important to view your diet as an important component of your oral care routine. Vitamin-rich foods (like fresh fruits and vegetables) provide your body with the minerals and nutrients it needs to be healthy from the inside-out. Plus, they can strengthen your immune system, which helps fight off infections from bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, make sure to focus on eating a clean diet with dental implants.

Dental implants are durable, natural-looking, and a popular restorative option for patients with gaps in their smile, a weak bite force, or impaired speech. To ensure your dental implants last for decades to come, make sure to care for them by implementing the above steps!

About the Practice

For over two decades, Dr. Mark Gerome has provided exemplary dental care to his community in Loveland, Ohio. In fact, one of his patients, Dr. Gina Patrice, was so inspired by him that she grew up to be a dentist and work alongside him! Since joining forces, this dynamic duo has helped patients with routine cleanings, emergency visits, smile upgrades, and dental implants. If you would like additional information on properly caring for your dental implant, don’t hesitate to contact their team through their website or by phone at 513-677-1349.