Taking care of your dental implants is similar to how you care for your natural teeth. It’s important to keep your gums and jawbone healthy. Dr. Abraham Stein from the Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry in Skokie, IL wants to help you learn the best ways to care for your dental implants. If you look after them properly, your implants can last a lifetime.
Can Dental Implants Get Infected?
Even though dental implants are artificial and can’t get cavities, they can still have problems. If the gum tissue around the implant gets infected and inflamed, it’s called implantitis. This can affect the soft and hard tissues around the implants.
When this happens, harmful bacteria can build up around the implant, just like it does around natural teeth. If this plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into something called calculus. Calculus is a tough deposit that can cause your gums to recede and damage the bone that supports the implant. Once calculus forms, it can’t be brushed or flossed away; only a dental hygienist can remove it with special tools. Not visiting your dentist regularly can lead to gum recession and bone loss, which may cause the implant to fall out.
How to Keep Your Dental Implants Healthy
To prevent calculus from forming, keep your implants clean and free of plaque. Here’s how:
- Brush Twice a Day: Use a small, soft, ADA-approved manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
- Floss Once a Day: Make sure to clean around the implant.
- Use the Right Toothpaste: Low-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste is best.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Antimicrobial mouth rinses can keep bacteria away.
Besides your daily care, make sure to see Dr. Stein for regular check-ups. It’s a good idea to have a professional exam and cleaning every 3-6 months. Your dental implants should also be checked with x-rays once a year.
What Happens If I Don’t Take Care of My Implants?
If you don’t take care of your implants daily, problems can arise. One of the first signs of trouble is bleeding around the implant, which is called mucositis. Research shows that if caught early, this can be treated and reversed. But if it progresses to bone loss, known as peri-implantitis, that condition isn’t reversible. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can cause serious bone loss and may lead to the implant becoming loose or falling out.
What Will My Dentist Check During Cleanings?
During your cleanings, Dr. Stein and his team will check the gums around the implant to make sure they are healthy. They will measure the gums like they do with your natural teeth. Dr. Stein will also use x-rays to examine the implant’s condition in the jawbone and under the gums. He will check the bite and make sure all parts are properly attached and working well.
Want Dental Implants or Need a Check-Up?
Call us if you’re thinking about getting dental implants because of missing or broken teeth, or if you need to have your current implants checked. Dr. Stein and his team at the Stein Center in Skokie, IL are here to help. Please call us at 847-750-3125 or request an appointment online today!