For Aurora men and women who are considering having dental implants, one of the biggest questions they often have is whether or not cleaning their dental implants is any different from cleaning their natural teeth. Unfortunately, Dr. Ivey sees many people each year who mistakenly think that their dental implants will be worry-free and maintenance-free. That cannot be further from the truth! Your dental implants will need to be cared for just like your natural teeth were cared for.
Dr. Ivey wants each of his patients to be well-informed in every way for any dental procedure they have, which is why he has provided this blog to let Aurora residents know what to expect when cleaning and caring for their dental implants.
Cleaning Dental Implants
As we mentioned above, caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth. Men and women should be sure to keep their dental implants free of plaque and tartar buildup by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash once a day. This is especially important after eating food. At the very least, Dr. Ivey recommends that his dental implant patients rinse their mouths well with water after eating or use mouthwash to provide a quick cleaning after meals.
Dr. Ivey suggests his patients use the following tools when cleaning their dental implants:
- Tartar-control toothpaste that is minimally abrasive
- A small, soft manual or electric toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Interdental brushes for removing plaque between the teeth on either side of the dental implants
- Antibacterial mouthwash
It is important to note that while cleaning dental implants is very similar to cleaning natural teeth; dental implants are able to be scratched more easily. Therefore, Aurora dental implant patients should be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid brushing too aggressively.
Another important part of caring for your dental implants is making sure you keep your regular visits with your dentist. You should have your dental implants professionally cleaned every 6 months to ensure dental implant health and guard against dental implant failure.
What Are The Risks Of Not Properly Caring For My Dental Implants?
If Aurora patients do not properly care for their dental implants, they risk the chance of dental implant failure. It is important to be aware of the signs of complications or problems related to the health of your implants:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
If these early signs are not addressed patients risk peri-implantitis, which is an inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding an implant and can lead to dental implant failure.
Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery Can Help
If you have more questions regarding the care of your dental implants, be sure you call Dr. Ivey as soon as possible. He and his staff are ready to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding the dental implant procedure and how to care for them.
If you’ve been considering having dental implants placed, but haven’t made the leap yet, call his Aurora office today to schedule your initial consultation. You can reach a member of his staff by calling (303) 493-1933.
