How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implant?

You should be very excited because dental implants can help you feel more confident about your smile.

Because people with attractive smiles are more likely to be successful and have higher self-esteem, you should be overjoyed with your dental implants.

However, if you want to have a beautiful smile and get the most out of your dental implants, you must practice proper dental implant care. Visit our website today for more information.

Coolamon Dental - Dental Implants Ellenbrook

How to clean your Implant

Dental implants Ellenbrook, unlike teeth, do not get cavities or decay, but the gum tissue around them is susceptible to inflammation and infection. The prevention of perio-implant disease/infection is critical for implant health and function.

For single/multiple implants

  • Cleaning your teeth regularly is essential.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
  • Use toothpaste that isn’t too abrasive.
  • Brush the implant crown and the area around it.
  • Floss with unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss/Teflon band floss at least once daily.
  • Slowly irrigate your mouth with a recommended oral irrigator.
  • Rinse your mouth twice a day with water instead of alcohol.

For Implant Over Dentures

  • Dentures should be removed every day and soaked in a denture cleaner for the recommended amount of time.
  • Inspect attachment caps or clips for wear or missing parts and notify your dentist.
  • Brush the denture’s underside gently with a denture brush.
  • Before putting the overdenture in your mouth, thoroughly rinse it with water.
  • Clean around implant attachments/locators with a small brush or special tools provided by your prosthodontist.

For Implant fixed dentures or bridges

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that is low in abrasive ingredients.
  • For cleaning under the bridge/denture, use small brushes or a low-speed water pick/dental flosser.
  • Use a non-alcoholic mouth rinse daily.
  • Every six months, see your prosthodontist for a professional cleaning.
  • What to Stay Away From There are a few things you should avoid after your dental implant prostheses have been installed. 
  • Smoking can cause the gums around the implant to become inflamed and weak.
  • A heavy bite or hard foods can cause too much pressure on the Implant.
  • Abrasive Cleaning Products: Hard-bristled toothbrushes, baking soda, or bleach cleansers may weaken or cause permanent damage to your implants

Also, if you grind your teeth, you should see your dentist because this can put too much pressure on your implants. Nightguards are highly recommended to protect your teeth and implants from functional forces.

How long does Ellenbrook’s dental implant procedure take?

Your dentist will place the titanium implant in your jaw bone, just beneath the gums. Each implant placement procedure takes about 1-2 hours on average. Most dentists will wait about three months after this step is completed before completing the final restoration of the tooth replacement.

Does it hurt to have a dental implant done?

Most patients experience pain after the anesthesia wears off and the procedure is completed. However, tooth implant pain can be managed by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen.

Are you awake during tooth implant?

Because dental implants Ellenbrook are so invasive, most patients sleep during the procedure. A local anesthetic may be sufficient if only one or two implants are placed. Although you’ll be awake during the process, a local anesthetic will temporarily numb the area so that you won’t feel anything.

How long after dental Implant can I eat?

For the first 24-48 hours after your dental implants are placed, you should only eat soft foods and drink liquids to protect your delicate gums.