If you’ve experienced tooth loss because of a chronic oral health concern, like gum disease, then you may remember the importance of caring for your smile long after you’ve had your lost tooth replaced. For many people, bouncing back from that loss meant receiving one or more dental implants and an appropriate restoration (such as a dental crown or bridge) for them to support. The many advantages that come with replacing lost teeth with dental implants stem from the fact that they so closely mimic the natural structures of your teeth. That’s also true of the effort it takes to properly care for your implants and restoration, which is often the same as it takes to consistently care for your healthy, natural teeth.
Cleaning your restoration every day
Good hygiene is the basis of keeping any smile healthy, and that’s especially true after dealing with a severe concern such as tooth loss. The point of cleaning your teeth and restoration every day with your toothbrush and floss is to remove harmful oral bacteria (plaque) from their surfaces. Because a dental implant restoration doesn’t have dental crowns or hidden clasps attached to it, thoroughly cleaning the restoration and your natural teeth around it can be much simpler and more effective.
Caring for the gums around them
If your tooth loss was the result of a severe case of gum disease, then caring for your gum health may be part of strongly recommended care guidelines after restoring your smile. However, not having gum disease yet doesn’t mean you’re immune to it, and the periodontal tissues and structures that support your dental implant restoration can suffer if it develops. When cleaning your teeth and restoration each day, be sure to pay special attention to cleaning the line where your gums meet your teeth and restoration. If oral bacteria accumulate and remain there long enough, they’ll significantly increase your risks of developing gum disease.
Avoiding things like teeth-grinding
Your dental hygiene routine isn’t affected much by the placement of a dental implant restoration. In fact, it can be easier and more effective thanks to the restoration filling out the gap in your smile. Yet, there are other concerns besides oral bacteria that could compromise your teeth and restoration if not addressed. Constantly grinding your teeth is one common concern that many patients don’t think about. When you do it often and forcefully enough, grinding your teeth together can expose them to immense amounts of pressure and friction. The same is true for your implant restoration, which could compromise it by wearing down the restoration and/or forcing the implant to shift.
Learn about taking better care of your dental implants
With their ability to mimic your healthy, natural teeth, dental implant restorations are often just as simple to care for, too. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
