The Importance of Aftercare for Your Dental Implants

The importance of proper dental hygiene can’t be stressed enough. Regularly caring for the teeth prevents dental health problems. However, many people do not make oral health care a priority. As a result, some of them suffer from damaged or decayed teeth and need replacement for extracted teeth. In modern dentistry, dental implants are the best replacements for missing teeth.

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But just like with natural teeth, good oral hygiene is also critical for dental implants. In fact, many dentists stress that good oral care habits must be practiced before, during, and after placement of the dental implant to maintain oral health and prevent complications.

Regular brushing is one of the critical aspects of aftercare for dental implants. Although there has been debate on the best toothbrush to use, several studies found that there is no significant difference between sonic, electric, or manual toothbrushes. What is important is that the patient brushes the implant(s) twice daily to remove bacterial plaque with a low-abrasive dentifrice. In addition, nylon-coated interdental brushes or proxabrushes are excellent alternatives to clean especially tight and hard-to-reach areas around the implants.

Flossing is another important element of dental implant aftercare. Although there are various types of floss in the market, dentists recommend unwaxed tape or implant-specific to protect the tissue surrounding the implant properly. It is also important to follow the correct technique when flossing: insert the floss in contacts on both sides of the implant, wrap it in a circle and crisscross in front, switch hands, and move in a shoe-shine motion.

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Lastly, a regular dental checkup completes the trio of good dental care habits. With regular visits to the dentist, patients can communicate concerns they have about their implants. A recent British study found that “patients with new dental implants may be able to detect signs of trouble early enough to help prevent complications that can damage gums and bone.”

Implants can last for decades provided that they are properly cared for. This is what Dr. John Pasqual teaches his patients who have received implant-supported restorations. Learn more about post-implant care here.