Dental Implant Maintenance

How to Care for Your Dental Implants in North Miami Beach, FL

Dental Implant Maintenance

One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is that they require no special maintenance. As a tooth replacement option that looks, functions, and feels like natural teeth, dental implants offer patients a lifetime of oral health benefits with proper care.

To ensure the longevity of your restoration, our North Miami Beach, FL dentists at Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry have developed a comprehensive guide to dental implant care. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our dental team at 305-945-0909.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Basic Oral Hygiene HabitsA man eats an apple with a healthy smile, kept clean with dental exams.

Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of your dental implants. Essential habits include brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath.

Brushing Your Teeth

To effectively maintain dental implants, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for implants. Ensure you brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the tops, sides, chewing surfaces, and gum lines.

Flossing

Flossing is vital for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around your dental implants. A floss threader or special dental floss for implants can make flossing around the implant post easier.

A popular flossing method is the Waterpik, which can reach difficult spots and keep the gum line clean.

Rinsing Your Mouth

A man sits in a dental chair and admires the results of his dentistry procedure.

Rinsing your mouth between meals is essential for maintaining dental implant health. This practice helps remove food particles and bacteria that can cause plaque and tartar buildup around the implant post.

Use an antiseptic mouthwash formulated for dental implants. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute, ensuring it reaches all areas, including the implant site. Spit out the mouthwash and rinse with water.

Routine Visits to the Dentist

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are vital for excellent oral health and keeping your dental implants in top condition. Our dentist will examine your implants for any signs of wear or damage and clean and polish them to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Problems That Can Occur Without Dental Implant Maintenance

Despite regular care, implant maintenance issues can arise. Here are common problems and solutions:

  • Peri-implantitis: This gum disease affects the tissue around the implant, causing inflammation and bone loss. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and redness. Treatment may involve antibiotics, deep cleaning, or surgery in severe cases.
  • Loose implant: A loose or wobbly implant may result from a loose abutment screw or implant failure. Contact our dentist immediately for evaluation and treatment options.
  • Broken restoration: Crowns, bridges, or dentures attached to implants may loosen, crack, or break over time due to wear or trauma. Depending on the damage, your dentist may recommend repair or replacement.
  • Gum recession: Gum recession around the implant can expose it to bacteria, leading to implant failure. Our dentist may suggest gum grafting surgery to address recession and prevent further damage.A woman smiling because her dental implants are improving her life.

Prompt treatment for implant maintenance issues is essential to prevent further damage and ensure implant longevity. Regular dental check-ups can also help catch potential problems early.

If you’re experiencing any issues with your dental implant, contact our dentist in North Miami Beach, FL by calling 305-945-0909.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist after getting dental implants?

After receiving your dental implants, continue visiting your dentist once every six months. Regular visits ensure your dental implants and surrounding natural teeth remain in excellent condition.

Can I continue to use my regular toothbrush and toothpaste on my dental implants?

Most dentists recommend using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for dental implants, as they’re designed to clean and protect the implant post and surrounding tissue without causing damage. Your dentist will recommend the best options for your specific case.

Does food get trapped under full mouth dental implants?

Since the base of your dental implant is fused with your jawbone, food won’t get trapped under the restoration. Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants look, feel, and function most like natural teeth.

Can plaque grow on implants?

Yes, plaque can grow on implants just like on natural teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, leading to gum disease and other oral health issues if not removed through proper oral hygiene practices.

Your Dental Implant Procedure Results Can Last a Lifetime at Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry

With proper care, dental implant surgery results are a lifelong solution to missing teeth. If you have any questions about dental implant care, contact our North Miami Beach, FL dentist today. Call our North Miami Beach, FL, office at 305-945-0909 to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients in North Miami, Aventura, and West Park.