How to Care for Your Tooth Implant for Long-Term Health

A Guide to Caring for Your New Tooth Implant

Protecting your tooth implant requires some special care. We'll show you the tools you need to care for a single implant after your procedure.

There are over three million people in the United States who currently have dental implants. This number grows by more than 500,000 each year.

There is a reason for this. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, the most favorable option for both patients and dentists is dental implants.

Have you considered a tooth implant for one or more missing tooth you have? If so, there’s no question it’s a great option.

However, what happens next? If you don’t properly care for your new implant, it’s not going to last.

While this may seem a bit challenging at first, there isn’t much difference in caring from your natural teeth, then your new implant.

Don’t worry if you are unsure of what to do. We have you covered. Keep reading to learn how to properly care for your dental implants to ensure they last a lifetime.

Before diving into how to clean your dental implant, it’s a good idea to learn more about how they work.

A dental implant is designed to replace your natural tooth’s root. Once the artificial root is in place, then the actual tooth replacement is put in place. There are several options:

• Removable dentures
• Bridgework
• Artificial crowns

Between your crown and implant, there’s a connector that’s called an abutment. The overall success of your tooth implant is based on how well it attaches to your bone.

The root portion of the implant is made of titanium, which is osteophilic, which means “bone loving.” It will fuse to your jaw bone in a process that is called osseointegration .

The actual tooth part of your implant is added after your root has fused to your jaw. When in place, you will not be able to tell the difference between your natural tooth and your new implant.

When it comes to tooth implants, infection is the enemy. As a result, it is crucial you learn the proper way to clean them.

In fact, cleaning your tooth implants properly is just as important as cleaning your natural teeth, as they both rely on the surrounding tissue for proper support. Over time, bacterial biofilm (aka plaque) will collect on an implant crown just like it does on natural teeth.

This has to be removed each day at home. If you don’t do this, then an infection called peri-implantitis may occur. This can result in the loss of the implant attachment.

Unlike typical inflammation around your teeth, the reaction can be devastating, leading to a dish- or well-shaped loss of bone around the implant. Bone loss can eventually lead to the loss of an implant.

In most cases, your dental hygienist is going to let you know what instruments and equipment are needed to clean your tooth implant. Being able to clean the smooth surface of your crown is crucial. If a scratch occurs, it can attract and begin harboring bacteria.

Scalers and Curettes

In most cases, you will be given a curette and scaler to clean your implants, which are made of resins and plastics. Natural teeth don’t scratch like implants do, which is why metal tools can be used on these.

Ultrasonic Instruments

There are several ultrasonic instruments that can be used for cleaning a tooth implant, too. They clean by using a high-frequency vibration. These are extremely effective ad flushing out debris and materials that have become stuck.

Brushes

A brush is used to clean away the biofilm from any exposed area of the implant. If dental cement or calculus is seen on the surface of the implant, you need to return to your dentist to have this removed.

In addition to knowing general information about caring for your tooth implant, it’s also a good idea to develop a cleaning routine.

If you have had only one tooth or multiple teeth replaced with a dental implant, then follow these steps when cleaning it:

• Clean your implant at least two times daily.
  
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush.
  
• Brush around and beneath your implant crown.
  
• Floss each day with implant specific floss.
  
• Use a nylon-coated interdental brush to get into gaps and small spaces.
  
• Use an oral irrigator to loosen stuck debris.

This routine will ensure your implant lasts and doesn’t suffer any serious damage or issues.

Schedule Regular Cleaning Appointments with Your Dentist

While it is crucial that you take care of your dental implant at home, you also need to schedule regular appointments with your dentist, too.

Your dentist will be able to remove any stubborn biofilm off of your implant to ensure an infection doesn’t occur. They can also check for any signs of a problem with the implant.

A tooth implant is the closest thing you can get to your real, natural teeth. When properly cared for, your implant will last for years, and in some cases, your entire life.

Additionally, when you choose dental implants as your tooth replacement option, you can still enjoy all the foods you love. It won’t fall out or become loose if you are chewing on something hard or sticky.

The ultimate goal of tooth implants is to help make your life easier and better. They aren’t going to add problems or even interrupt your life.