Dental implants are a fantastic solution for restoring a confident smile and achieving functional teeth. However, like any dental work, they require care and maintenance to ensure their longevity. At Adam Fienmann DDS, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of patients who’ve received implants from implant centers. Whether you’re new to implants or have had them for a while, we’re here to help you maintain them and support your overall oral health.
Why Maintenance Matters for Your Implants
Dental implants are crafted to last for many years, but they’re not indestructible. Implants are designed to integrate with your natural bone and act like natural teeth, but this doesn’t mean they are maintenance-free. Without the right care, implants can still develop issues like peri-implantitis (an infection similar to gum disease) that can threaten their stability. Just like natural teeth, implants benefit from professional cleanings, exams, and at-home care to ensure they function well for a lifetime.
Common Issues for Implant Patients
Some patients come to us after implant procedures with a few specific needs:
No Initial Treatment Follow-Up: Some have yet to receive the necessary follow-up after their initial treatment. We assist these patients by providing comprehensive dental care to support the health of their implants and overall oral health.
Implant Bridge Maintenance: For those who have received large implant bridges, maintaining these structures is key. Our team specializes in not only ensuring the health of the implants but also in supporting any natural teeth in the opposite arch to prevent imbalance or additional stress on the implant bridge.
Tips for Keeping Your Implants Healthy
Brush and Floss Daily: Just as you would with natural teeth, brushing and flossing around your implants is crucial to keeping them free of plaque. This prevents harmful bacteria from developing and potentially compromising the implant site.
Use a Water Flosser: Water flossers are a great tool for getting into hard-to-reach places around implant posts and bridges. They help remove debris and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection.
Avoid Hard Foods: While implants are sturdy, hard foods can still cause damage. Be mindful of tough or sticky foods that can strain or break components.
Regular Dental Checkups: Make regular appointments for professional cleanings and exams. At Adam Fienmann DDS, we’ll thoroughly clean around the implants and ensure there are no developing issues. We also offer specific checkups tailored to patients with implant work to ensure everything is in optimal condition.
Monitor Your Gum Health: Gum health is essential for implant longevity. Healthy gums provide a stable foundation, while receding gums or gum disease can lead to implant instability. Let us know if you experience tenderness, swelling, or bleeding in the gum tissue around your implants.
We’re Here to Help You Achieve Lifelong Implant Success
Whether you’re new to dental implants or need ongoing maintenance for existing implants, our team is here to support your oral health journey. Our team understands the unique needs of implant patients, and we are equipped to handle both the care of your implants and any remaining natural teeth. We look forward to helping you enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained, beautiful smile for a lifetime!
