When teeth need extraction because of serious injury or decay, dental implants provide a replacement solution. Consisting of titanium roots and dental caps, they replace missing teeth to prevent misalignments, problems with chewing and speaking, and jawbone deterioration. If dental implants are right for your oral health needs, keep them in excellent condition with these tips.

Do:

Maintain oral hygiene.

Maintain your oral hygiene to prevent plaque from building up around your dental implants as well as remaining natural teeth, which contributes to infections. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a soft-bristled brush, and floss once daily. Depending on your current gum health, you may want to try an ultrasonic toothbrush to eliminate plaque and bacteria. 

In addition to staying diligent about dental care, schedule teeth cleanings and checkups with your dentist twice a year. Dental implants still require professional maintenance, especially during the first six months when your dentist will check for bone healing.

Wear a night guard.

If your dentist suggests it, protect your dental implants from nighttime clenching and grinding by wearing a night guard or retainer. Nighttime grinding and clenching can dislodge the implants or cause the caps to crack. Also, be mindful of grinding and clenching your teeth during the day due to stress.

Don’t:

Consume hard or crunchy foods.

Avoid eating hard or seriously-crunchy foods during the first week of your recovery since it can dislodge or otherwise damage the dental implants. Consuming hard foods can also be painful. Stick to soft foods instead, such as yogurt, applesauce, soup, soft fruits, and bread. Also, avoid sticky foods such as gummy candy that can get stuck around your dental implant and contribute to plaque formation.

Post Surgery.

While mouth sensitivity is normal in the week following your dental implant surgery, severe pain is not. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you experience serious post-surgery pain, as you may have an infection. However, maintaining your oral health and avoiding habits such as smoking and sugary snack consumption reduces your infection risk. 

If you haven’t determined your dental implant candidacy yet, contact Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC to schedule an examination. Dental implants are among the services this family dental office serving New York’s Monroe County provides. Based in Rochester, the dentists have over 35 years of experience. Call (585) 247-7110 to make an appointment or visit the dentists online for additional service information, including preventive dental care.