Your teeth, without proper care, will deteriorate fast. You can notice tartar and cavities accumulate and slowly destroy your dental health.
When that problem happens, you may suffer from toothache. Or the worst case, loss of a tooth.
A perfect smile will require proper dental care. A dental implant or an implant placement requires a procedure of adding a new tooth. The implanted tooth will fill in the gaps when you have a missing tooth.
Installing trusted dental implants is an excellent way to ensure you will have the best smile you can give. Dental implants have different materials from natural teeth.
Types of dental implants
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There are three types of dental implants: osseointegrated (with the bone), uncemented (without the bone), and cortical (inner layer). Osseointegrated dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone. Uncemented dental implants are held in place by a surrounding metal framework. Cortical implants are placed in the middle of the tooth and hold it together with a post. Implants can be made from various materials, including titanium, alloys, and plastic.
Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes around two hours. Your dentist will first create an outline of your teeth using x-rays or digital images. They will then make an impression on your teeth using a special dental paste known as dental cement. This impression will help your dentist plan the best route for your implant and ensure that it fits perfectly into your jawbone. The implant will then be inserted through a small hole made in your gum into the jawbone where it will be secured with screws or another type of fastener. You may experience some mild pain and discomfort following implant surgery, but these should both disappear within a few days.
Following implant surgery, you may need to visit your dentist regularly for checkups to ensure that the device is still working effectively and that any problems have not developed. Generally speaking, implants should last anywhere between 12 and 15 years before they need to be replaced, but this depends on many factors, including how well you take care of them.
There is a risk of infection when dental implants are placed. This can occur due to the implant being inserted into an infected area or because the surrounding tissue is infected. Infection can lead to sepsis (a life-threatening condition caused by infection of the bloodstream), and if left untreated, may eventually result in death.
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As they are different, they will also require distinct care approaches. In this article, you will learn seven care tips for your dental implant:
Tip 1 – Brush with soft toothbrush material
Brushing is a given practice to maintain the healthiness of your teeth. Brushing removes food residue in your teeth that can cause buildup. Further, not brushing your teeth can cause problems like bad breath, tooth decay, and tartar.
With your dental implants in place, you should only use soft toothbrush material. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush for gentle scrubbing of your teeth.
Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage the enamel of your dental implant. It can also scratch the surface of the implant.
Tip 2 – Floss regularly
Flossing removes tartar and food particles stuck between your teeth. These accumulations are hard to remove by simply brushing your teeth. It may also help in preventing cavities and gum disease.
Flossing daily and after brushing your teeth is recommendable. It is substantial for your oral health and beneficial for your dental implant.
Tip 3 – Avoid sticky and hard-to-crush food
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Sticky and hard-to-crush food is not good when you have a recent dental implant. It can promote plaque buildup and distort your dental implants.
Here are some of the food that you should not consume while healing from your dental implant procedure:
- Caramel and hard candies
- Potato chips
- Rice cakes
- Steak
- Carrots
- Apples
- Dried fruits
Tip 4 – Practice good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is necessary for taking care of your dental implants. You should know to manage your oral hygiene to keep you away from dental problems. Inflammation, pain, and discomfort are all possible outcomes if you neglect your oral hygiene.
Tip 5 – Avoid abrasive products
Any form of abrasive dental product is not suitable for your dental implants. Too much abrasion or roughness can cause damage to your dental implants.
When checking out for your dental hygiene kit, make sure to buy non-abrasive toothpaste and toothbrush.
Tip 6 – Do not do strenuous activities after having dental implants
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A dental implant is a surgery. To prevent bleeding and throbbing after the surgery, you must not do strenuous activities that can trigger it.
It is normal to feel numbness and experience redness within the first 24 hours after the surgery. However, to speed up the healing process, you must avoid activities where you can strain yourself. Over-straining yourself can cause your dental implants to bleed.
Tip 7 – Schedule a regular visit to your dentist
The secret of good oral care is regularly visiting your dentist. Your dentist is a trained specialist who can help you with your dental health. Your dentist can advise you on things you should and should not do.
There are many benefits to dental implants over traditional dentistry. Dental implants are a more secure and durable option than crowns and bridges, which can often become loose over time. They also require less maintenance, as the implant is integrated directly into the jawbone instead of being attached to other surrounding structures. Finally, dental implants are a more affordable option than many other dental procedures.
If you’re considering getting a dental implant, it’s important to take care of the appliance both before and after it’s placed in your mouth. You should attend all post-procedure appointments with your dentist after your dental implant. You can prevent dental problems and help your implants heal completely through your dentist.
