Compared to dentures or bridges, dental implants are truly great. They work so well that their ten-year success rate is over 95%! Still, don’t forget that implants need care. Neglecting them will cause the prosthetics to fail early. As such, you must follow the dos and don’ts of dental implants. Thankfully, your Tulsa dentist can share these rules with you. Read on to learn how you should and shouldn’t care for your implants.
The Dos of Implant Care
To ensure your implants last long, you’ll need to do some tasks on their behalf. These matters include the following:
- DO Brush Them Twice Daily– While implants don’t decay, you should still brush them twice daily. This habit stops stains from gathering on your new teeth. It also reduces your risk of gum disease, a condition that can cause implant failure.
- DO Use Normal Toothpaste – When brushing implants, using an over-the-counter toothpaste is fine. Just make sure it has the ADA Seal of Approval first.
- DO Rinse with Mouthwash – To manage and prevent oral inflammation, rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash once daily. (This item can be prescribed or purchased in stores.)
The Don’ts of Implant Care
There are several actions you shouldn’t take with dental implants. In particular, make sure you:
- DON’T Smoke – Smoking is a major cause of implant failure. The habit exposes you to tobacco, which can delay and even disrupt your implants’ fusion.
- DON’T Use Your Teeth as Tools – Implants are sturdy but not indestructible. They could break if you try opening packages, bottles, or cans with them.
- DON’T Try Whitening Toothpaste – Toothpaste that contains baking soda or charcoal is bad for implants. Its abrasiveness would damage your new teeth.
What are Implants’ Perks?
True, implants’ dos and don’ts can sound a bit boring. Even so, sticking to such rules is very worthwhile. Doing so lets you enjoy the many perks of implants.
The first of these upsides is a full and lifelike smile. After all, implants are capped with crowns that blend seamlessly with your other teeth. They also fuse with your jaw, meaning your new teeth stay secure and help you eat tough foods.
Another advantage is implant treatment’s long lifespan. You see, the average implant lasts roughly 15-20 years. On the other hand, a well-maintained one can reach a lifespan of 30 years or more!
Clearly, the dos and don’ts of dental implants are very helpful. Practice them going forward – your restored smile will thank you!
About the Practice
My Dentist Midtown is based in Tulsa, OK. Led by Drs. Flinchum and Smith, our practice emphasizes excellent dentistry with little to no stress. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative care, as well as emergency dental procedures. Naturally, our range of options also includes dental implants that replace missing teeth! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (918)-949-4450.