A Guide To Dental Implant Maintenance

Dental implants certainly improve a person’s smile and confidence. Here are some ways to keep these implants and the rest of the teeth healthy:

Brush regularly.

Dentists and dental hygienists cannot stress enough the importance of regular brushing. Even with implants, people are expected to brush three times a day to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

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Keep on flossing.

Dental implants are not prone to tooth decay but they are prone to stain and dirt that seep in the remote areas of the teeth. To prevent discoloration and infection in other teeth, flossing is the solution. For those who are not so fond of the threading floss, they can use water floss, a device that squirts water in the hard to reach areas. This tool prevents the buildup of dirt and keeps teeth looking clean.

Spend time in the dentist’s chair.

Dental implants can last up to twenty years. But this doesn’t mean that check-ups are no longer necessary. Going in for routine comprehensive cleaning will ensure the longevity and the quality of the implants. Dental hygienists also have better tools that will preserve not just the implants but all of the teeth.

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Maintaining oral health is a must whether or not a person is using dental implants. Having clean teeth can protect a person from periodontal diseases and other conditions.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, John Pasqual, DMD, PA,  is an expert in techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. He also diagnoses and treats facial pain and facial injuries, among others. Visit this page for more information about his practice.

How To Know If You Are a Candidate For Dental Implants

Dental implant procedures have become one of the most common solutions to tooth loss; however, not everyone is fit to be fused with dental implants. What makes an ideal candidate for the surgical procedure?

Adequate bone support
Dental implants are fixed inside the mouth by fusing them with the jawbone. Insufficient bone density or growth can hinder the success of the dental procedure; this is also the reason children usually do not qualify. Those who do not have enough bone support can instead undergo bone grafts or mini-implants.

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Improved overall health
A dental implant is a surgical procedure, which is why the overall well-being of the patient is paramount. Those with heart conditions or sleep apnea are discouraged from having dental implants as anesthesia is involved in the process. Furthermore, patients who have diabetes, drink alcohol, or smoke encounter a lower success rate because of poor oral health associated with these conditions and addictions.

Healthy gums
Gum disease and infection affect the gums, bones, and ligaments attached to the teeth, which is the primary reason for adults losing their teeth. Poor gum health can also cause the failure of dental implants.

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No bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term for the clenching or grinding of the teeth and jaw. While doing it infrequently may not cause lasting problems or symptoms, doing it persistently can not only result in jaw pain or discomfort but also reduce the success rate of the dental implant.
Dr. John Pasqual, DMD, PA, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with years of expertise in conducting dental procedures, including dental implants. Read more about the procedure here.