Dental implant surgery is a restorative procedure performed after tooth loss. A screw is embedded in the jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or dentures. To avoid plaque buildup that causes gum disease and keep the post and artificial tooth intact, here are a few care tips to follow. 

How to Care for a Dental Implant

1. Maintain Good Dental Hygiene

Continue to brush your teeth twice a day after dental implant surgery. While you recover, this will prevent bacteria from contaminating the incision site and causing an infection. Regular brushing will also prevent peri-implantitis, which is inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the implant and gradual bone loss.

Daily flossing is necessary, too. To avoid damage to the post, use unwaxed tape floss or a product recommended by your dentist. To floss, wrap the unwaxed string crisscrossed around the post and carefully use back and forth motions. 

2. Use the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Look for a toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles. These bristles are sturdy enough to remove food residue and plaque on the artificial tooth and along the gumline but gentle enough to prevent scratches and additional damage. To this end, it's also important to switch to a non-abrasive toothpaste, which typically doesn't contain teeth whitening agents. The ingredients in abrasive toothpastes weaken the restorative materials.

3. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

There are certain foods you shouldn't eat when you have dental implants, including hard and sticky fare. Biting down on hard candy, carrots, and chips could dislodge the post. Gum, dried fruits, and other tacky foods could also get stuck around the post and artificial tooth and lead to plaque buildup.

For dental implants to restore your appearance and quality of life, contact the team at Waterford Dental Health in Waterford, CT. The knowledgeable, experienced cosmetic dentists will walk you through each stage of the process and provide regular teeth cleaning and additional solutions to maintain your oral health. To schedule an appointment and learn more about sedation dentistry, call (860) 447-2235. Review and download new patient forms online.