Do Dental Implants in Phillipsburg Require Special Care?

Dental implants are considered to be the most comprehensive tooth replacement solution in dentistry for several different reasons. They’re long-lasting, durable, natural-looking and make it easy to enjoy the foods you love. Even the custom crown attached to them is incapable of developing decay! However, that doesn’t mean you can avoid brushing and flossing them on a daily basis.

According to a dentist, dental implants in Phillipsburg do require daily care, but it’s hardly much different than what you need to do for natural teeth.

Daily Oral Hygiene

Just like you would for your natural teeth, dental implants should be receiving daily oral care via brushing and flossing. While it is true that bacteria cannot attack the porcelain crown that sits atop the implant post, the gum tissue surrounding the implant does require regular cleaning. Without effective cleaning, the gum tissue can easily become inflamed and put your implant at risk.

That’s why all individuals who either have dental implants or plan to receive dental implants need to commit to the following:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Brushing for at least two minutes at a time
• Flossing daily, particularly around and underneath the dental implant to remove plaque and debris
• Replacing your toothbrush once every three months
• Considering the addition of a mouthwash for your daily routine

Regular Checkups

Without a professional examination and cleaning from a dentist, you cannot know for sure if your at-home care is working to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Thankfully, those with dental implants should not have to see their dentists any more often than usual once the implant has fully integrated with their jaw.

Just like those with natural teeth, individuals with dental implants should visit the dentist once every six months for a cleaning and checkup. These visits allow the dentist to confirm that your implants are staying healthy and no complications are developing. Most dental issues arise as a result of poor brushing or flossing, and a dental exam will confirm if this is the case. The cleaning will work to remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, especially directly underneath the implant which is known for being more difficult to clean.

Balanced Diet

When it comes to oral health, diet does not get as much attention as it should. The more balanced your diet, the easier it will be to manage your oral health as a result. Take a moment to consider these tips when trying to improve your oral health.

• Avoid sipping on soda or snacking on sweets and starch throughout the day
• Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products in your diet.
• Avoid food, drinks and habits that can easily stain your teeth (i.e. coffee, wine, tobacco products, black tea)

With these points in mind, you can rest knowing that your smile (whether you have dental implants or natural teeth) stays healthy and beautiful for many years to come. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup with an implant dentist in Phillipsburg today!

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey R. DeMartino earned his DMD degree from the Fairleigh S. Dickinson School of Dental Medicine. He went on to complete a residency program in the surgical placement and prosthetic restoration of dental implants at the Zimmer Institute in Parsippany, NJ. To learn more about his expertise, you can contact him through his website.