Dental implants offered by your Wake Forest, NC, dentist, Dr. Shanean Michelle Anderson of Smile Sculptors of Wake Forest, keep your smile whole and healthy. With proper care, your implants can last your entire life.
How to care for your dental implants
These four care recommendations will help you keep your dental implants in good condition:
- Floss Every Day: Daily flossing removes plaque and debris from the area around and under the base of your crown. If you don't floss often, you may be more likely to develop peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection that can loosen your implant. Although flossing is important, it's important to use a gentle touch when you floss. Flossing too aggressively can disrupt the seal around the gum and increase your risk of peri-implantitis.
- Brush At Least Twice a Day: Brushing your teeth gets rid of plaque on your natural teeth and your implants. Follow the American Dental Association guidelines and brush for a least two minutes. When you only brush for a few seconds, plaque may remain on your teeth.
- Stay Away from Abrasive Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste or toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients, like charcoal or baking soda, should be avoided. Your dentist can provide you with a list of safe toothpaste types during your visit to the Wake Forest dental office.
- Prevent Damage to Your New Teeth: Do you open packages with your teeth? This habit can damage your natural teeth and break or loosen your dental crowns and implants. You'll also want to avoid eating very hard foods. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard will prevent damage to your teeth and implants. Your dentist can provide you with a custom-made nightguard that fits over your teeth while you sleep.
- Visit the Dentist: During your checkups, your dentist will look for signs of wear and tear on your implants, crowns and abutments. If any damage is detected, she can recommend repairs that will improve the condition of your implants or crowns.
Proper care and regular visits to your dentist in Wake Forest, NC, will help you protect your dental implants. Call Dr. Anderson of Smile Sculptors of Wake Forest at (919) 825-1795 to schedule your appointment.