How to Best Care for Your Dental Implants

Among the different options for tooth restoration, an increasing number of people opt for dental implants. After all, they offer significant benefits. As an example, unlike dentures that need adhesive to stay in place, implants are permanent. That means they never slip or accidentally fall out. Also, you can eat and drink everything you want as if they’re your natural teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

Thanks to advances in the field of dentistry, dentists offer several types of implants. Not only that, but dental experts use various techniques. Here are the four types of dental implants available:
 

• Single Tooth – As implied, this replaces one missing tooth. However, to secure it in place, you would need a crown to connect to the screw

• Supported Bridge – Often, a dentist will recommend this type of dental implant when a patient has several missing teeth. In this case, the implant serves as an anchor for a bridge

• All-on-4^® – When missing multiple teeth, this is an excellent option since it restores the entire lower and upper jaw. Although permanent, you can easily remove the overdenture for cleaning purposes

• 3-on-6™ – This dental implant consists of three standalone bridges that attach to six implants

These implants fall within one of two main categories. First, a doctor implants them into the jawbone using small screws made of titanium. Of all the different options, these dental implants are the most commonly used. Second, a dentist places subperiosteal implants underneath the gums, as well as above or on the jawbone.

Regardless, they’re all designed with much the same body. That consists of the implant or screw, the abutment, a post that connects the implant and crown, and the crown, which is an artificial tooth that sits on top of the abutment.

Caring for Dental Implants

It’s not hard to care for dental implants. After the procedure, you’ll go through a short recovery period. However, once fully healed, here are the things you’ll need to do to properly care for your new “teeth.”

Brush and Floss

Just as you did before having dental implant surgery, it’s important to brush and floss several times a day. Not only will that keep them bright and clean, but it will also prevent infection. As for flossing, be sure to use either a pick or conventional floss. That way, you can remove bacteria and plaque from the top portion of the gums.

Rinsing

In addition, use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist after each time you brush and floss the implants. For one thing, they’ll kill harmful bacteria. For another, it’ll keep your breath smelling fresh and clean.

See Your Dentist Regularly

After dental implant surgery, you’ll need to see your dentist every six months. At the same time, it’s important to avoid certain things that can cause infection and discoloration. Those include smoking or chewing tobacco, taking the recommended daily allowance of calcium, and avoiding sugary foods and beverages.

If you’re interested in dental implants, you first need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fei Hwang, D.D.S. in Milpitas, California, at 408-729-7882.