Dental implants are a reliable, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. While they are designed to be durable, taking proper care of your dental implants is essential to ensuring they stay in great condition for years to come. At Harbour Dental in Kingston, ON, we provide expert dental implant care and guidance, helping you maintain your implants for long-term success.
In this blog, we’ll cover best practices for caring for your dental implants, what to avoid, and how routine visits to Harbour Dental can ensure the longevity of your new smile.
While dental implants are made from strong, durable materials such as titanium and porcelain, they still require proper maintenance. Implants are designed to function like natural teeth, which means they need to be cleaned and protected from plaque and bacteria buildup that can affect the surrounding gums and bone.
With the right care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them one of the most effective solutions for tooth replacement. Without proper hygiene, however, issues like gum disease could weaken the bone and lead to implant failure. Following a good care routine will keep your smile healthy and your implant in top shape.
Here are some daily care tips to help you maintain your dental implants:
Brushing your implants is just as important as brushing your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your implant crown and the surrounding gums. Brush gently to remove plaque and bacteria while avoiding damage to your gum tissue.
Plaque can accumulate between your implant and natural teeth, which is why daily flossing is essential. Use regular dental floss or a special floss designed for implants to gently clean between your teeth and along the gumline. Interdental brushes or water flossers can also be effective for reaching difficult areas.
An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and prevent gum inflammation, especially around the implant site. Rinse daily to keep your mouth clean and minimize the risk of infection.
Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria, promoting a healthier mouth. Staying hydrated is also beneficial for overall oral health, as it helps to maintain saliva production, which naturally cleanses your mouth.
Although dental implants are incredibly durable, certain habits and foods can damage your implants or the surrounding gum tissue. To protect your implants, consider avoiding the following:
While dental implants are strong, chewing hard foods like ice, hard candies, or nuts can crack the crown or wear it down over time. Sticky foods like caramel or toffee can get lodged around your implant, increasing the risk of plaque buildup. Stick to softer, less abrasive foods to preserve your implant.
Smoking or using other tobacco products can significantly increase the risk of implant failure. Tobacco hinders the healing process after implant surgery and contributes to gum disease, which can weaken the bone supporting the implant. Quitting smoking will improve both your overall and oral health.
Grinding your teeth at night can put excessive pressure on your dental implant, leading to damage or discomfort. If you suffer from bruxism, consider using a nightguard to protect your teeth and implants from grinding or clenching while you sleep.
Routine dental checkups are crucial for maintaining the health of your dental implants. At Harbour Dental, we recommend visiting us every six months to ensure your implant is in good condition and to address any potential issues before they become more serious.
Here’s what you can expect during your regular implant checkups:
Our dental hygienists will perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup around your implant and natural teeth. This helps prevent gum disease and keeps your entire mouth healthy.
We’ll carefully examine your implant to ensure that it is secure and that the surrounding gums and bone are healthy. If we notice any signs of gum disease or other complications, we’ll address them promptly.
If needed, we may take x-rays to assess the condition of the bone surrounding your implant. This helps us identify any underlying issues that may not be visible during the exam.
To ensure the longevity of your dental implants, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
At Harbour Dental, we take pride in providing personalized dental care that ensures the long-term success of your dental implants. Here’s why patients in Kingston, ON trust us for their implant care:
Caring for your dental implants is essential to maintaining a healthy, functional smile for years to come. If it’s time for your next dental checkup or you have questions about your implant care routine, Harbour Dental is here to help.
