Dental Implants in Summit NJ are one of the most popular methods for replacing missing teeth. This bias is based on solid reasoning; dental implants are more permanent than bridges and crowns, they’re easier to maintain, and they look and feel more like natural teeth. Patients who are interested in getting dental implants should take some time to familiarize themselves with their care prior to heading in for surgery to ensure that their implants will remain in good repair.
Brush Regularly
Just like normal teeth, dental implants must be cleaned twice daily in order to remove plaque and tartar and to help ensure that the surrounding gums do not become infected. They do not need to be removed for cleaning, and can instead be brushed more or less like normal teeth.
Have the Right Tools
Dentists and oral surgeons recommend that patients with implants use smaller, softer-bristle toothbrushes to give their implants the daily care they need. They also suggest using non-abrasive toothpaste and purchasing smaller specialty brushes designed to clean in between the patient’s teeth.
Use Caution When Flossing
When flossing around the implant, it’s important not to go too deep. Unlike normal teeth, which have a seal between the patient’s gums and the teeth themselves to prevent the entrance of bacteria into the area beneath the gums, implants can easily begin to collect damaging bacteria, which can lead to infections over time. It’s fine to floss between implants and natural teeth, just be gentle.
Avoid Mucositis
Mucositis is the unpleasant result of failing to take proper care of dental implants. This gum disease begins as simple inflammation and bleeding, which can be reversed, but it eventually blossoms into a condition known as per-implantitis, which leads to bone loss and is not reversible. If the condition is allowed to persist, it can even lead to patients losing their implants entirely.
Ask Questions First
Patients who are heading in to speak with their oral surgeons about dental Implants in Summit NJ should come up with a list of questions they have regarding healing times, proper maintenance, and general concerns. Anyone who is interested in implants but doesn’t yet have an oral surgeon can contact Westfield Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation today.
