Dental implants are a wise long-term investment for your smile, as they can potentially last a lifetime with the right care. Once you make that investment, it's important to know the proper steps to take to care for your new restoration. That's why we're offering helpful tips on caring for dental implants. Here's what you should know.
Caring for Dental Implants in Knoxville, TN
Caring for your implant is much like caring for your natural teeth, which is one of the benefits of dental implants. Here are some quick and simple tips for proper dental implant care:
- Brush Twice Daily — As you would with your natural teeth, brushing twice a day is essential. Consider using an electric toothbrush for the best results.
- Floss Once a Day — Gently flossing around your implant crown helps keep plaque and bacteria from building up or reaching below the gumline, where it could become problematic.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash — An antibacterial mouthwash can help protect against gum disease, which is an enemy to dental implants.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods — Avoiding biting directly into hard foods or eating sticky foods that could damage your implant crown will help protect its health and function.
- Wear a Nightguard — If you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), a nightguard will help protect your implant crown from damage.
The most important tip of all is to schedule routine dental check-ups and teeth cleanings every six months with your Knoxville dentist. Dr. Holt will take x-rays once per year and provide biannual exams, so if there are any concerns about the health and function of your dental implant, we'll spot them early on when they're easier to treat.
Do you have questions about dental implants? Is it time for your teeth cleaning and exam? Contact our team at (865) 722-0239 for answers or to schedule an appointment.