Many people fall into the trap of thinking that all implants are “permanent” or never have to be maintained. But quite the opposite is true.
Over the years I’ve had to repair and replace many implants, primarily those that were done poorly at certain (unnamed!) clinics or other countries where the standard of care is not as high as ours.
But even a few of the implants we’ve done in our office have needed some major repair or upgrades down the road.
So here are the seven key principles to maintaining your implants or veneers to keep your smile bright for years to come. Just like a high-performance vehicle or new technology, maintenance and upkeep are the key to long lasting Smiles.
1. Maximize Your Home Hygiene Routine:
Remember gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush twice per day, to ensure a consistent gum and implant massage around your new teeth. Use a gentle toothpaste for prioritizing the removal of plaque to avoid potential gum pockets, gingivitis, or implant complications.
2. Flossing and Precision Cleaning:
Floss or use an oral irrigator around your implants and soft interdental brushes to access narrow or tight areas. By consistently eliminating food remnants and plaque, you prevent or shrink gum inflammation and fortify the resilience of your implants and jaw bone.
3. Keep Up On Routine Dental Maintenance:
Follow your scheduled routine check-ups at an implant dentist. You’ll need a proficient team that will conduct thorough assessments, safeguard the condition of your implants and gums, and overall mouth and breathing well-being. These regular check-ups are pivotal for early detection and to ensure long lasting implant Smile success.
4. Nutrition for Oral Vitality:
Your nutrition is key to preserving not just your overall health but also the strength of your gums, bone and implants. Consider integrating calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C into your diet—they’re essential for gum health and sustaining the integrity of your implants. Meet with your primary care physician or internal medicine physician annually for bloodwork to ensure you have proper levels of these vitamins.
5. Quit Detrimental Habits:
Find replacements for bad habits that could jeopardize your implants. Refrain from smoking or vaping, which impedes healing and heightens the risk of implant complications. Also avoid using your teeth as tools for opening packages or plastic, to safeguard your implants or veneers from potential damage. A great book on this topic is Why Willpower Doesn’t Work by Dr. Benjamin Hardy.
6. Promptly Address Issues:
If you detect any discomfort, swelling, or irregular sensations around your implant bridges, implants, or veneers, promptly reach out to our team with your questions. You may also request a copy of one of our books which outline some additional maintenance and longevity tips. Timely intervention is crucial in mitigating minor issues before they escalate to big problems.
7. Regular Adherence to Handouts and Guidelines:
Following your Smile Transformation or implant procedure, adhere to the post-operative care instructions provided by your dental professionals. These guidelines encompass proper oral hygiene practices and prescribed medications, which will expedite the healing and ideal cosmetic outcomes for you.
Your journey toward preserving oral health with implants transcends a beautiful smile; it secures the functionality and durability of your health and all of the work you’ve been a part of.
At Pinecrest Dental, your well-being is paramount. By embracing these comprehensive tips and practices tailored to you, pave the way for enduring benefits from your implants or veneers.
Our dedicated team is here for you. Your journey toward an enduringly confident smile extends beyond the procedure—it thrives with conscientious oral care.
Have a great week,
Dr. Tyler Williams
