5 Care Tips for Dental Implants

If you’re getting dental implants soon, congratulations! This can be a huge step towards an improved self-image. If you’ve recently gotten dental implants, you can probably vouch for this too.

While the actual procedure is a huge step, now you must learn to care for your dental implants so they can continue to shine as brightly as the first day you get them.

At The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas, Dr. Letelier is highly regarded by patients for his distinguished background. With a degree from UCLA and awards for his dental excellence, you’ll know you are in good hands. In an effort to make your dental implant process more smooth, we’ve compiled five essential tips for at-home care.

1. Brush Twice Daily with a Nylon Brush

Make sure you’re using the correct toothbrush! Some toothbrushes have bristles that are too harsh, so you will need a nylon brush that has pliable, gentle bristles. A proxabrush will help you clean hard-to-reach areas. Remember that any time you brush, you also need to floss! Flossing and brushing go hand-in-hand.

2. Use Sensitive Cleaning Products

Some toothpaste and even mouthwash can be abrasive for your implants. Strong flavors such as mint or cinnamon may actually cause discomfort in your mouth. Choose products that will be gentle on your mouth, especially as your gums adjust to the implants. If you aren’t sure where to start, discuss healthy options with your doctor.

3. Avoid Problematic Foods

Certain foods may damage your implant restorations as well as your teeth. While it’s unlikely to avoid these items completely, be aware of your intake and reduce consumption where you can. Avoid these foods, and others similar foods.

  • Hard candy
  • Ice
  • Caramel
  • Seeds in popcorn

4. Refrain from Cigarettes and Alcohol

While this could be seen as an overall health tip, smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol after the initial dental implant procedure is particularly harmful. Both of these substances have the potential to seriously interfere with the healing process, and if abused, could possibly even cause infection.

5. Make Regular Appointments with Your Doctor

While at-home care is essential, there is also room for error. After your initial procedure, you will need to see a professional for follow up appointments to ensure you are healing as expected. This way, your dental implants can remain in great condition throughout the rest of your life.

Visit Us for a Free Consultation!

The Center for Oral Surgery Las Vegas offers a free dental implant consultation! This includes X-Rays and a CT Scan. During the consultation, we can answer all your questions, such as why dental implants are effective, and discuss whether you’d like to replace one tooth or several. Call us at 702.367.6666 or send us an email via our online form
. We look forward to working with you!