Do Dental Implants Require Special Care?
After tooth loss, reviewing your tooth replacement options can seem overwhelming. From conventional prosthetics like bridges and dentures to new alternatives like dental implants, it can be hard for patients to weigh the pros and cons of each option. This is why we recommend scheduling a consultation with our oral surgeon to find out if dental implants are best for you.
Many people have questions about how dental implants function. One question that seems to be asked very commonly is whether dental implants require special care. The simple answer is no. In fact, dental implants are seen as low maintenance by patients and dental professionals alike. They are considered low maintenance because dental implants are not removed for overnight soaking or cleaned with special solutions. Instead, an implant is flossed and brushed just like a natural tooth. This allows patients to continue with their normal oral hygiene routines.
Oral Hygiene and Dental Implants
While patients can brush and floss as they normally would, it is important to mention that this tooth replacement method requires that a patient practice vigilant oral hygiene. Although a dental implant itself is disease-resistant, the structures that support it are not. For instance, patients who neglect their oral health and develop bone atrophy or gum disease might experience implant failure. This occurs when the structures that support an implant (bone and gums) become so damaged that the dental implant becomes loose. Common conditions that affect gum and bone health include periodontal (gum) disease and dental abscesses.
When patients take good care of their health by practicing proper oral hygiene and attending routine checkups with their dentist or oral surgeon, they can enjoy their new teeth for decades or longer. As long as neighboring tissue remains healthy, an implant can last for quite a long time.
For more information, call Stonebriar Facial & Oral Surgery to reserve a tooth loss consultation with our experienced implant dentistry team.