Taking Care of Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in restorative dentistry since they can permanently replace missing teeth. Patients who receive these fixtures from our Coral Springs implant dentist Dr. Assi are able to enjoy the numerous benefits of a complete smile. Best of all, dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. Since they’re securely attached to your jawbone, you can eat whatever foods you want without worry.
That’s why it’s important to take care of your dental implants so that they can continue to provide you with these benefits. By filling the gaps in your teeth, dental implants promote your oral health and help fight against potential issues such as gum disease.
Choose Gentle Oral Hygiene Products
Caring for your dental implants is as easy as maintaining your natural teeth. But there’s one important difference — you’ll want to choose gentle hygiene products to help clean your fixtures without damaging them. Hygiene products that contain abrasive ingredients can scratch your dental implants and irritate the soft tissue supporting them.
Dr. Assi has come up with the following recommendations for choosing the best products to keep your dental implants healthy:
- Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: It’s important to find a toothbrush that has soft or extra soft bristles so that you don’t accidentally scratch your implants. Manual and electric toothbrushes can also be just as effective if used correctly, which refers to brushing for at least two minutes twice a day across all the surfaces of your teeth.
- Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Most toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch your dental implants. That’s why it’s important to check the labels and make sure that they don’t contain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or baking soda. Whitening toothpaste and smoker’s toothpaste should also be avoided.
- Nylon Floss: It’s essential to floss daily or use an alternative type of interdental cleaner every day to remove plaque and debris from in-between your teeth. You’ll want to use floss that’s either nylon or nylon-coated. You can also use floss that’s specifically designed for use with dental implants so you don’t accidentally damage or scratch them.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash: Rinsing daily with antibacterial mouthwash will protect against unhealthy bacteria that causes bad breath and gum disease. It’s best to avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol or whitening ingredients, as they can dry out your mouth. They can also contain abrasive ingredients that can damage your teeth.
Visit Dr. Assi for Biannual Checkups
Professional dental care is necessary to keep your dental implants healthy, no matter how consistent you are with cleaning your dental implants. That’s why the dental team at our Coral Springs office recommends scheduling regular biannual checkups with Dr. Assi. That way, your dentist is able to make sure that your smile is in good shape. Your dentist will examine your implants to check for potential issues that need to be addressed. Our team is dedicated to making sure you continue to have a beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if there’s a complication with my dental implants?
Complications with dental implants are rare. However, if you’re experiencing complications or severe discomfort, call our office immediately at (954) 228-8509. Don’t attempt to fix the problem yourself, as this can result in permanent damage and further complicate the dental issue. Dr. Assi will make sure you get the care you need as soon as possible.
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
The dental implant procedure takes only one to two hours to complete, while the healing process will take several months to complete. During your recovery, your titanium implants will slowly integrate into your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Dr. Assi will make sure to provide you with aftercare instructions to help prevent complications.
Do I have to follow dietary restrictions when I have dental implants?
It’s best to avoid excessively hot or cold foods and drinks for the first few days after your implant procedure. It’s also important to avoid spicy or crunchy foods, as they can irritate the surgical site of your implant and cause infection. Once your fixture has fully bonded with the rest of your teeth, you can enjoy the confidence that comes with having a beautiful, complete smile.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants boast a 95 percent success rate. Since this procedure requires a strong jawbone and excellent gum health, it’s important to attend an initial consultation with Dr. Assi so that he can determine if you’re an ideal candidate. In cases where patients don’t have good oral health, Dr. Assi will likely recommend undergoing a supplemental procedure to help you better qualify for implants.
Learn to Care for Your Dental Implants With Dr. Tarek Assi
Dr. Assi and our team of professional dentists can restore your smile with dental implants if you suffer from missing teeth. Regain your confidence and ensure your fixtures last a lifetime with our expert aftercare instructions and advice.
When you’re ready to achieve the smile of your dreams, contact Alpha Dental Practice by calling (954)-228-8509 or by filling out our convenient online contact form below. Our professional team serves patients who reside in the Forest Hills, Margate, and Pompano Beach, FL areas.