Dental implants are the most durable treatment option for people who have lost a tooth as an adult. The average dental implant lasts for multiple decades — provided that the patient takes good care of his or her new tooth.
If you currently have a dental implant or expect to get a dental implant soon, the top restorative dentists at Porter Dental Health Clinic have some important tips that can help you extend the lifespan of your prosthetic tooth.
Moderate Your Consumption of Hard Foods
While you do not have to go on a permanent liquid diet after a dental implant, it can be smart to eliminate (or at least moderate) your consumption of the most chewy and crunchy foods like hard candies and popcorn kernels since these can accidentally crack your implant. By the same token, don’t chew on inedible objects (such as pens or your nails) since that can also wear down your implant sooner.
Floss Every Day
Flossing is important for everyone, but it becomes significantly more crucial when you have a dental implant. That’s because plaque is more susceptible to getting stuck in the space between a dental implant and a natural tooth — so clean this area with floss once per day.
Another way that flossing helps patients with dental implants is by improving gum health. If your gums become infected around the implant, it can cause “peri-implantitis,” a condition that results in the implant failing. You need your whole mouth to be healthy so that the bone and gums support your prosthetic tooth.
Choose Gentler Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Don’t assume that a “hard” brush achieves a deeper clean, because this is not based in fact. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can be rough on your dental implant, causing it to wear down prematurely. With a soft-bristled toothbrush, you can clean all your teeth (natural and prosthetic) just as well.
Having a gentle toothpaste is also important. Look for packaging that says non-abrasive (avoiding pastes with a ton of fluoride or baking soda) or has tartar control. Toothpastes that are more abrasive can also erode your implant.
Great Dental Implants Start with a Great Dentist
If you do need a dental implant, choosing a top restorative dentist to perform the procedure is one of the best ways to ensure your results will be long lasting. Dr. Lance Porter and Dr. Will Warren are highly skilled at inserting the titanium post into your jawbone so that it can securely hold a prosthetic tooth for many decades. To see for yourself why so many patients in and around Hot Springs trust Porter Dental Health Clinic, please call (501) 624-2778 to make an appointment.
