Cleaning Dental Implants Pontotoc, MS Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular options when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which are supported by your gums, implants involve the use of small titanium rods, which are surgically inserted into your jawbone. The rods imitate the roots of your natural teeth and support your replacement teeth. They also help to maintain the strength and integrity of your jawbone. For your implants to do their job successfully, proper care needs to be taken, and South Main Dental can help.At Home CareWith traditional dentures, a significant amount of extra care is required to keep your false teeth clean. They needed to be removed every night and brushed with a special denture paste, before being soaked in a denture cleaning solution overnight. Then you need to clean your mouth. This can be very time consuming to do nightly. One of the advantages of dental implants over dentures is that they can be cared for just like your natural teeth. There is no extra maintenance required. You should brush your implants just like you do your natural teeth, and do so at least twice a day. You should also floss at least once a day to remove anything that might be lodged between the crowns. Regular Dental VisitsAlong with at home maintenance, visiting the office at least twice a year for cleanings and exams is essential. During your visits, we provide your teeth with a thorough cleaning, reaching any areas of your mouth that you may have missed. With an exam, we can visually inspect the crowns of your implants, checking for signs of damage. We will also check your gums for any signs of gum disease. Dental X-rays will allow us to assess the condition of your jawbone and check on the titanium rods. All of these factors will help to ensure the health of your mouth and the longevity of your dental implants. Why is Cleaning Implants So Important?You may be wondering why, if the crowns of your implants cannot suffer from decay, brushing and flossing (along with dental visits) are so important. While it is true that the crowns cannot suffer from a bacterial attack, the rest of your mouth is still at risk. The crowns can still collect plaque, the sticky film that coats the surfaces of your teeth. Bacteria stick to the plaque and feed on lingering food particles. Plaque and bacteria can irritate your gum tissues, causing them to become irritated and inflamed. This leads to gum disease. The gums pull away from the crowns, and bacteria can fall below the gum line. This can cause infections around the implant. Your jawbone can weaken, and the strength of the implant can become compromised. As a result, your implants become loose, and may even fall out. Many times, surgery is needed to fix the problem, which is easily preventable with routine oral care. Proper cleaning of your dental implants will help to ensure the longevity of your implants and the health of your mouth. For more information on how to care for your implants, contact South Main Dental today! |
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