If you have recently received dental implants, you’re probably looking forward to this upcoming Thanksgiving. With a full set of functional teeth, you’ll be able to enjoy all your favorite foods, no matter how crunchy, sticky or chewy they may be. While you get ready to enjoy restored dietary freedom for the upcoming holidays, it’s important to keep your implants strong and the gum tissue around them healthy by practicing good oral hygiene habits.
How to Care for Your Implants
Dr. Crandall has probably given you detailed instructions for dental implant care, but here is a reminder of a few details. You may think you don’t really need to take care of your implants because they aren’t real teeth and thus aren’t susceptible to decay. However, it is important to understand that failing to care for your implants can lead to decreased oral health and possibly peri-implantitis which can cause your implants to fail. To protect your investment and make sure your implants serve their intended functionality for many years, here are a few things you should do to take care of them:
Daily brushing and flossing is imperative for maintaining the strength of your dental implants and improving your oral health. Special flossers, toothpastes or toothbrushes may be recommended to adequately clean the spaces between implants and your gum tissue. Dr. Crandall may also recommend that you use a water flosser to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach spaces between implants.
If your gums become swollen or infected, you may be given a prescription for an antibacterial mouth rinse. Use as directed for best results. If you take good care of your dental implants, you’ll be able to enjoy all your favorite Thanksgiving foods for years to come.
Schedule Your Appointment
Is it time for your dental implant checkup? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Crandall before the Thanksgiving holiday by calling South Hills Dental Arts in Pittsburgh, PA.