Do dental implants require special care?

dental implants ManhattanDental implants are such an attractive option for so many patients due to their convenience. One aspect of that convenience is their ease of care. In many ways, taking care of implants differs little from maintaining biological teeth.

Because the surrounding jawbone can fuse with these small titanium cylinders, which stand in for a natural tooth’s root, the dental implant stands independent of the other teeth. In contrast, a dental bridge requires crowns to be placed on adjacent teeth to replace the missing teeth. That structure restricts access to the gumline, which can make it difficult to brush and floss thoroughly in the vicinity.

When a periodontist places an implant in your jaw, however, there’s no such structure to block the gum line. The implant supports the prosthetic crown on its own. As such, few patients will need to make any adjustments to their normal oral hygiene routines to accommodate the implants. 

To get the best long-term outcomes, make sure that you are sticking to a rigorous oral hygiene routine and adequate professional follow-up care…

Keep in mind that keeping your dental implants clean is just as crucial as keeping your biological teeth clean. To get the best long-term outcomes, make sure that you are sticking to a rigorous oral hygiene routine and adequate professional follow-up care, to minimize plaque and tartar that can contain bacteria that could compromise an implant.

Of course, you should thoroughly review all care instructions with your periodontist so that you may ask any specific questions you may have about caring for your dental implants. Patients with multiple implants, such as those with implant-supported dentures, may receive additional specialized directions, as well.

Although the patient can brush and floss an implant much like a natural tooth, specialized tools may be needed for professional cleanings involving dental implants. Be sure to notify your hygienist where the implant is located in your smile.

Dental implants look and feel like biological teeth, and patients get the same ease of care with these devices, too. To learn more about this treatment and maintaining the devices after they are placed, schedule an initial consultation at our office.

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