Dental implants and implant-supported dentures are both highly effective solutions for restoring the function and appearance of your smile. Whether you have dental implants for a few teeth or overdentures replacing all of them, proper care is essential to ensure your investment will last as long as possible.
At Jax Implants and Dentures in Jacksonville, FL, we want to help you get the most out of your new dental implants and dentures. Here are some extremely important tips for caring for your implant prosthesis and oral health in the years ahead.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Proper oral hygiene is crucial to the longevity of your dental implants. Even though they aren’t “real” teeth, implants should be treated like they are. Brush your implants at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Be sure to brush around your dental implants where the implant meets the gumline since plaque tends to be thicker in those spaces.
Flossing is also essential to maintaining good gum and bone health around your implant(s). If traditional floss is a bit too tedious to use, a water flosser can also be helpful in cleaning around the implant and in hard-to-reach areas. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help to keep your dental implants and surrounding gums healthy. Just be sure to avoid blends containing alcohol, as they can dry out your gums.
Do I Need to Schedule Regular Dental Checkups?
Yes! Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to maintaining your smile’s health and the integrity of your dental implants. During your checkup, our dentist will examine your dental implants and surrounding gum tissue for any signs of infection or inflammation. We will also perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that can lead to implant failure. Sometimes we’ll also need to take X-rays to ensure the implant is properly integrated with the bone and supporting tissues.
How to Maintain Dentures (Snap-on or Overdenture)
If you have removable dentures that snap onto dental implants, it’s important to keep them clean to prevent bacteria buildup. Remove your dentures at least once a day and rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any food particles. You can also soak them in a denture cleaning solution to help remove any stubborn stains or buildup. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your gums and tongue to remove any bacteria or plaque buildup.
For snap-on dentures or overdentures, it’s important to clean the attachments that connect the denture to the implant. Use a small brush to clean around the attachments and remove any food particles or bacteria. As those attachments wear out, bring your overdenture in to have the small indicators replaced as needed.
Like traditional dentures, make sure you’re removing your overdentures at night when you sleep, and always keep them out of the reach of small children or pets.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The success of your dental implant depends on a variety of factors, including your own oral hygiene habits. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are crucial to the longevity of your smile investment!
What Can Cause Dental Implant Failure?
Dental implant failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes. In most scenarios, it’s due to peri-implantitis, which is a form of gum disease. Good oral hygiene is vital. Additionally, regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to catch any potential issues before they lead to implant failure.
Schedule A Consultation: Dental Implants Jacksonville
If you’re considering dental implants or implant-supported dentures, it’s important to choose a dental team with experience in implant dentistry. At Jax Implants and Dentures, we specialize in dental implants and overdentures and are dedicated to helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how dental implants can improve your quality of life. Our team is committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care and personalized attention to help them achieve their dental goals.
