Generally, dental implants last between 10 and 20 years. They’re permanent tooth replacements, and they act like real teeth. They require some care to keep them in excellent condition. Here are a few practices to prevent decay or premature damage from occurring.

How to Care for Your Dental Implants

1. Daily Oral Hygiene

Implants require the same oral hygiene plan as regular teeth. This means brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day, and flossing once a day.

Use a soft nylon brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the crown. You can use an electric or a manual toothbrush, as long as the bristles are soft.

2. No Smoking

The dentist will tell you not to smoke throughout the process of getting the implants, as the jawbone and gums are healing around the titanium. If you can, however, don’t smoke even after your mouth has healed.

Smoking reduces the blood supply to the gums, teeth, and jawbone, which harms the implant. It has also been linked to other problems, such as oral cancer and tooth decay.

3. See Your Dentist

People should visit the dentist at least twice per year – once every six months – for a cleaning and checkup. Your family dentist may recommend coming in more often if they want to closely monitor the implant’s condition. This allows them to catch any problems while they’re still small and fix them, and they can remove any plaque buildup that you missed in your at-home care.

If you need a dentist who will provide expert oral care, visit Jeffrey E. Bang, DMD, PC, in Staunton, VA. He offers a full range of services to his patients, including routine teeth cleanings and state-of-the-art dental implants. The warm and inviting atmosphere will keep you comfortable throughout your visit. Call (540) 885-8667 to schedule an appointment.