How to Maintain Your Dental Implants for Long-Term Success

Dental implants are one of the most reliable and natural-looking solutions for replacing missing teeth. With the right care, they can last for decades or even a lifetime. 

To keep your smile healthy and your investment protected, it’s important to understand how to properly maintain your dental implants and avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to complications.

Daily Care for Dental Implants

Just like natural teeth, implants require daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the surface of the implant crown. Many patients also find that using a water flosser helps clean around the implant more effectively than traditional floss.

If you have multiple implants or an implant-supported bridge, your dentist may recommend using special tools, such as interdental brushes or floss threaders, to reach tighter areas. 

Consistency is key; thorough oral hygiene is the foundation of dental implant maintenance in Metairie, LA, and anywhere else. Taking a few extra minutes each day to clean properly can prevent irritation, inflammation, and long-term bone loss around your implants.

Regular Dental Visits and Professional Cleanings

Even though dental implants don’t get cavities, the surrounding gum tissue can still become inflamed or infected if bacteria build up. Routine checkups and professional cleanings allow your dentist to detect early signs of gum disease or implant complications.

At Jackson Oral Surgery in Metairie, LA, the dental team uses advanced imaging and cleaning techniques to monitor implant health and ensure the surrounding bone remains strong. 

Regular maintenance visits every six months, or as recommended by your provider, are essential for preventing long-term problems and maintaining your confident smile.

Protecting Your Dental Implants From Damage

While implants are extremely durable, they can still be damaged by excess force. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, and never use your teeth as tools. 

If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom nightguard can help protect your implants from stress and wear.

For those who play contact sports, always wear a mouthguard to safeguard both your natural teeth and implants.

Caring for Implants on the Go

When traveling, don’t forget to pack your cleaning tools and maintain your usual hygiene routine. Even short lapses in care can allow bacteria to develop around the gumline.

Maintaining your implants doesn’t have to be complicated, just consistent. For expert guidance on caring for implants in Metairie, LA, schedule a visit with Jackson Oral Surgery. Their team specializes in helping patients maintain their dental implants for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles.

Give them a call today for help with how to maintain your dental implants. 

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