Living With Dental Implants

Once you have dental implants placed, their success or failure depends largely on how well the implants are maintained. Many people wrongly believe once they get implants, they no longer need to see the dentist. Although dental implants are easy to care for, they do require a certain level of care to ensure their long-term success and to extend their lifespan.

Immediately following dental implant surgery it is critical to stick to your surgeon’s orders for recovery aftercare. Make sure to keep any follow-up appointments with your oral surgeon, and contact your doctor immediately if you have any complications or feel your implants are not healing properly.

First and foremost it’s vitally important to maintain regular dental visits. Disease and decay can affect teeth that aren’t cleaned properly. Left untreated, periodontal disease may lead to bone loss that can seriously affect the health of your dental implants. Routine visits to your dentist for cleanings and examinations can catch dental disease before it has a chance to harm the surrounding bone, leading to the failure of your implants.

Daily home care is also a critical component to extending the life of dental implants. Your dentist will recommend specific products to use for brushing and flossing and a home care cleaning plan that you should be careful to follow. Oral irrigation systems have proven highly successful in reducing plaque around implants and teeth. Your dentist may also suggest special mouth rinses, floss threaders, and specialized brushes to help avoid the decay that can damage your implants.

With excellent care, you can enjoy the many benefits of dental implants and improve both the look and function of your smile for many years.

 

If you live in the Newport Beach area and you are considering dental implants, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.