Dental implants are fixed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. It acts as an anchor for artificial teeth or crowns.

Dental implants require proper maintenance as it is easy for implants to catch germs and dirt. This build-up may cause implant failure in the future.

The procedure for dental implant involves the application of the implant in the jawbone at the place of the missing tooth. Then this implant is left alone for a few months so the tissue can heal and grow around it. During this healing process, it creates a solid foundation for the crown. After the implant has bonded with the surrounding tissue, an abutment is placed over the implant to hold the new tooth in place. The new tooth or the crown is prepared with the help of moulds created by taking the impression of the teeth. The crowns are prepared in such a way that they match the appearance and function of the natural teeth. Once these moulds are prepared, the crown is created at the lab, ready to fix on the implant.

Dental implants are a great way to improve the overall structure of teeth and are prepared out of titanium or other alloys. They are very durable and can last up to decades. Implant failure is very rare, but when it happens it is usually due to a variety of factors like oral hygiene, diet, etc.

Dental implants Cleaning

Just like natural teeth, implants need to be cleaned twice a day for maintenance and to avoid implant failure. A gentle toothpaste and toothbrush are required for this purpose. To clean, take a little bit of toothpaste on the toothbrush and brush the implants gently. Then take a few centimetres of dental floss and floss the area around the implant. Ensure that no food particles are left beneath the implant as food particles can be get stuck there. After flossing, use a little amount of antibacterial mouthwash and swirl it around the mouth for a minute. The patient can also use oral irrigators which are available at the clinic.

The patient is supposed to clean the implants in the morning and before sleeping during the night, and even after eating if the patient feels like it.

Dental Implants Correct products

When the teeth have implants, it is necessary to use gentle products designed for sensitive teeth. Harsh and abrasive products can actually damage the implants and cause extreme discomfort to the patient. Such gentle products, like toothpastes for sensitive teeth, mild mouthwashes, etc. are easily available in the market. The patients are advised to buy such products and avoid the abrasive and harsh ones. Strongly flavoured dental products are also to be avoided.

Drink more water

Drinking enough water is considered good for overall health. However, it is also good for oral health and for maintaining implants. It accelerates saliva production and helps regulate the PH of the mouth. It also helps maintain the salivary production in the mouth. This saliva helps in keeping the dental implants clean and removes bacteria. Drinking plenty of water after meals is also a good way to remove food particles from the area around the implants and the teeth.

Regular dental visits

Even for normal teeth, dentists recommend visiting the clinic at least twice a year for proper maintenance of teeth and oral health. As for dental implants, dentists advise the patients to take proper care of the implants and get them checked every few months. The main purpose of such check-ups and follow-up appointments is to ensure the proper functioning and repair any damage to the implant. It also involves cleaning the surrounding area of any germs and bacterial accumulation.

Treating underlying conditions

Underlying medical and dental conditions can damage the implant. It becomes necessary to receive proper treatment whether it be something as severe as diabetes or something like bacterial accumulation because they can affect the implant as well oral health of the patient. Also, it is essential to control and treat minor health conditions before they develop into serious, deadly diseases so the dental implants, oral health, and overall health of the patient.

Diabetes patients or high-risk patients should maintain their blood glucose levels, and people with poor oral health should regularly clean their teeth and use antibacterial products. Also, before even getting dental implants, some dentists will thoroughly check the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease, cavities, or any other dental condition that could possibly affect the implant. The procedure will not be started until these conditions are properly treated and the teeth are completely healthy.

Avoiding certain foods

Although dental implants are made of titanium, they are definitely not designed to chew hard foods or consume products that could potentially damage them. Hard foods like nuts, carrots, and snacks can damage the implants. Also, whole foods like an apple should be avoided because they cannot be easily chewed by dental implants. Along with certain foods, products like alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco should also be avoided as they can delay the healing of the tissue around the implant. Consuming such harmful products can also develop various dental diseases like periodontitis, tooth loss, etc.

Also, it is important to note that dental implants should not be used as tools. Often times people use their teeth to open bottles, corks, cut strings, etc., with dental implants it becomes necessary to avoid such practices so as to prevent damage.

Replacement of dental implants

Typically, dental implants can last up to decades and maybe throughout the patient’s life.  It is possible that the implant becomes damaged due to injuries, tooth decay, or consuming hard-to-chew foods. Conditions like bruxism, underlying diseases, lack of oral hygiene, etc. can also cause implant failure. In such conditions, it becomes necessary to replace such implants or they can cause more than discomfort to the patient. It is recommended to visit a dental professional for examining the implant and removing it. The dentist will then place a new implant to hold the artificial teeth in place.