Now that you have made the choice to replace your missing teeth with dental implants in New Braunfels, it is time to protect your investment. With the right aftercare, you benefit from a tooth replacement option that has over a 95% success rate. They have the potential to last for a lifetime. To ensure that your new smile lasts, there are three simple tips to use to maintain their long-term viability.
1. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Although dental implants are not subject to tooth decay, that does not mean that you can stop brushing and flossing. In fact, it is more important than ever that you maintain your oral hygiene habits to prevent late-term implant failure.
The biggest threat to their success is a preventable infection. To reduce your risk for it, it is best to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every night. It is recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth and the dental implants.
Use a high-quality dental floss to clean in between each tooth, around the abutments, and the implant posts to remove any bacteria or plaque that can lead to the infection. Your dentist may suggest the use of a water flosser or a special mouth rinse to better clean the implants.
2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
In addition to your home oral hygiene habits, it is recommended that you see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. This allows them to remove any buildup that you may have missed at home, especially around the implant posts.
With regular care, your dentist can monitor your oral health and your dental implants to look for any areas of concern that may lead to implant failure. This allows for early intervention to correct any issues that may lead to needing to have your implants removed.
3. Don’t Ignore Complications
If you develop a concern, like inflamed gum tissue, pain, or a feeling that the implant is loose, do not wait to see your dentist. These are early warning signs that there is a complication brewing in your mouth.
If you notice a sudden change with your dental implants, call your dentist right away. The sooner the issue is corrected, the more likely your dentist can help to prevent complete implant failure.
Protect Your New Smile
Dental implants have quickly become the most preferred and reliable solution to replace missing. Now, more than 500,000 are placed every year because they offer a high success rate while also closely looking and feeling natural.
After you have filled the empty spaces, make sure that your new smile lasts with the right aftercare. With a proactive approach, you will protect your investment for an improved quality of life.
About Dr. David Earnest
Since 2013, Dr. David Earnest has provided comprehensive dental care to the community. He embraces the latest advancements in dentistry to deliver superior services. In addition to general dentistry, he also offers dental implants. If you are ready to replace your missing teeth, contact Comal Dental today to see if they are the right option for you.