About 3 million people in the U.S. have dental implants and half a million others get implants each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Simply put, implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium and inserted into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth. When a crown is attached to an implant, it functions as a normal tooth, but more importantly, it can prevent bone loss and preserve the jaw structure. The team of dental professionals at North Pointe Dental Associates serves the North Tampa area and can advise you about implants.
While dental implants do not decay, there are things you can do to ensure that the surrounding bones and tissue stay healthy. In fact, your dental implant care should start the moment you leave the dentist’s office. North Pointe Dental Associates is a full-service dental practice in North Tampa and is home to some of the best Tampa dentists who offer these tips for dental implant care.
Eating and drinking
For a few days after the procedure, stick to soft foods. Avoid sticky and hard food such as caramel, apples, dried fruit, hard candy, crusty bread, steak, and similar foods. You should drink a lot of liquid, but avoid using a straw as the suction can cause bleeding in the implant area.
Use a soft nylon brush
If you have just had an implant procedure, you might need to change your toothbrush. Nylon brushes have gentler bristles that are unlikely to scratch the surface of the implant. And you will want to avoid all metal cleaning instruments after the implant procedure is done.
Avoid abrasive products
Every Tampa Dentist should advise you to avoid abrasive cleaning products after your implant procedure, but it bears repeating. Using mouthwash and toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help you avoid discomfort. You should also avoid cleaning products with intense flavor because they can cause discomfort in your mouth, too.
Floss daily
Many people do not floss at all. In fact, only around sixteen percent of Americans floss daily. While everyone should work flossing into their daily routine, it is particularly important for patients who have had an implant procedure because plaque can build up quickly in the area around the implant. Just make sure to use unwaxed dental tape or implant-specific floss.
Practice proper cleaning care
Another cleaning option to consider is an oral irrigator. This is a home dental care device that uses a high-pressure pulsating water stream, instead of floss, to remove plaque and food stuck around and in between the teeth.
However, it’s important to note that overzealous cleaning right after the procedure can slow down healing. On the day of the implant procedure you can brush around the area but avoid rinsing. The following day you can start rinsing with a warm saltwater solution, and after a few days you can clean the area with a Q-tip as part of your post-treatment plan.
Visit your dentist regularly
Even though your state-of-the-art implant cannot decay, you should still visit your dentist at least twice a year to ensure you maintain good oral health. North Pointe Dental Associates offers quality dental services by some of the best Tampa dentists in the region, who can assist you with teeth whitening and other general and cosmetic dentistry. The team of dentists at North Pointe Dental treats patients of all ages and can schedule an appointment for your family’s dental needs.
