5 Tips to get the Most out of your Dental Implant

Louisville, KY

Dental implants are our dentists’ preferred way to replace missing teeth because they restore the function of the teeth and jaw with a permanent, natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing prosthetic. Dental implants, if properly cared for, can last a lifetime. So how do you make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment? Our implant dentist in Louisville is sharing four of the top ways:

1. Maintain strong oral hygiene

The cornerstone of any dental implant care regimen is excellent oral hygiene. While implants are not susceptible to cavities like natural teeth, gum tissue can be affected by plaque buildup, leading to gum disease.

We recommend that you:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth and implants.
• Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas that brushing might miss. Consider adding a water flosser to your dental hygiene routine; they are particular effective to clean around implants.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and prevent gum infections.

2. Make and keep your dental appointments

Just like with natural teeth, your implants need visits every six months to our Jeffersonville family dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. These visits also give our implant dentist a chance to detect early any potential issues with your teeth or implants. Each time you visit, we check for signs of gum disease, implant stability, oral cancer and overall oral health. We will also thoroughly clean your teeth, removing tartar and plaque buildup that regular brushing and flossing at home can miss.

3. Stop smoking

Often, if a patient is unwilling to stop smoking, our implant dentist in Shepherdsville will not recommend implant surgery. Smoking hinders the healing process after implant placement, which can cause complications, including implant failure. Tobacco use, in general, also increases your risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer.

4. Eat a healthy diet

Your diet plays an important role in your overall oral health, including the health of your dental implant. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports gum tissue and bone health, which helps stabilize an implant. Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for bone health and are found in dairy products and leafy greens. Enjoy sugary, starchy and highly acidic foods like candy, soda and citrus fruits in moderation; they contribute to plaque buildup and gum disease. And remember to always stay hydrated. Water rinses away food particles and bacteria in the mouth and helps to neutralize cavity-causing acids.

5. Find the right implant dentist in Louisville, Jeffersonville, and Shepherdsville, KY

Dental implants provide a long-lasting and natural-looking solution to missing teeth. But like natural teeth, they require care, including strong hygiene practices at home and regular dental check-ups in our Louisville family dentist office. This care will ensure the long-term success of your implants. If you have any questions about dental implants, call our implant experts at Exceptional Dentistry at 888-918-3336, or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation today.