Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Implants 

Dental implants have an amazing success rate for replacing lost teeth. They’re also known for their longevity, lasting 20–30 years, which, for some people, could be the rest of their life! At Tansley Woods Dentistry in Burlington, Ontario, we offer safe and effective implant treatments to restore your smile’s health and beauty. Yet, to benefit from all that implants have to offer, you need to take good care of them. Here’s what you should know about implant dental care. 

Caring for Implants 

Although implants are low-maintenance, they do require some care to stay in good shape. The implant itself isn’t prone to disease, but your gums are. A gum infection will impact the health and function of your implants. You can have greater confidence that your implants will stay strong and healthy by knowing what to do and not do concerning their care. 

The DO’S of Dental Implant Care 

1. Brush your teeth diligently at least twice daily using a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and normal or low-abrasive toothpaste. In addition to cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, brush the area where your implants and gums meet, focusing on those spaces that are hard to reach.
2. Floss daily to avoid plaque buildup around the implants, which can lead to gum disease. Many of our patients use a Waterpik to get rid of food particles and debris in between their teeth and keep their mouths clean.
3. Use an antimicrobial rinse at least once daily to keep harmful bacteria to a minimum to avoid decay and dental disease. 
4. Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of high-sugar foods and drinks, as these increase your risk of gum line cavities. 
5. Cut foods into bite-size pieces before eating, rather than ripping off large chunks with your replacement teeth. This helps preserve the health and strength of your implants. 
6. See your Burlington, ON, dentist bi-annually for routine checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the health of your implants and replacement teeth.

Actual Patients Before and After Results

The DON’TS of Dental Implant Care 

1. Avoid toothpaste with baking soda or other whitening agents, as they’re too abrasive for your replacement teeth. 
2. Don’t chew on ice or inanimate objects or use your teeth like tools, as these habits can damage your replacement teeth. 
3. Avoid hard or sticky foods like taffy, caramel, and hard candies, as they put undue pressure on your implants and replacement teeth. 
4. Don’t smoke, use tobacco products, or drink alcohol excessively, as these habits can hinder the healing process and threaten the success of your treatment.
5. Never skip dental appointments or ignore signs of potential problems with your teeth. Through routine checkups, we can ensure your implants are healthy and functioning properly. By notifying Dr. Nguyen of pain, swelling, or other issues, we can nip them in the bud quickly to protect your implants and oral health. 

Dental Implant Treatment Near Me

To learn more about implants and their care, contact Dr. Thelam Nguyen from Tansley Woods Dentistry in Burlington, ON, at (289) 273-4289.

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