The answer is usually yes. Although there are steps to take at home, it is also very important to have professional care.
Many people think that dental implants require less maintenance because they do not form gaps, but continued care by dentists can be critical to the life of your implant. Your clinician can check to make sure everything is working properly. Periodic professional cleaning is also helpful to prevent erosion and stains. Also, dentists play an important role in diagnosing infection early. They can help you fix any problem before symptoms get worse.
Cleaning can keep infection from implants and prevent plaque and tartar from growing on crowns and damaging your gums. Eventually, the buildup of bacteria can lead to problems like peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is similar to periodontal disease and can lead to gum disease if left untreated. This condition comes with pain, bleeding, general discomfort, and bone loss.
Oral Hygiene with Dental Implants
When it comes to home care of your implants, the process is quite similar to caring for your natural teeth. You should brush dental implants as much as normal teeth. Brush twice a day with a gentle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the coating on the crowns.
Flossing is also important, but can be a bit more difficult with implants. Another popular option is to use a dental flosser, also called an oral irrigator, which displaces bacteria and debris between teeth and implants.
In addition to general oral hygiene, you need to make sure that you do nothing but the purpose for which your dental implant was made. For example, using your teeth to tear the packaging or bite your nails will damage the implant. You should also avoid substances such as cigarettes and tobacco that can corrode veneers and damage dental implants or affect their appearance.
