Implant Care

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that replace your missing tooth roots. The posts are inserted into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure that takes place at our dental practice. After the bone has healed around the implants, a process that usually takes three to six months, we can place permanent crowns on the posts. The crowns function as your natural teeth and look and function just like your natural teeth. Dental implants offer complete smile restoration for people who are missing teeth.

The success rate for implants is around 95 percent, so most people who receive them rarely have any issues with their implants. If you take good care of your implant and don’t experience any irritation or sensitivity, it should last you the rest of your life. Your dentist may give you specific instructions to follow after your surgery to ensure optimal healing. Here are some ways to care for your implants:

Request Appointment

Brushing and Flossing

Just like your natural teeth, dental implants need to be brushed and flossed every day in order to remain healthy. While brushing your teeth twice a day is enough to maintain your dental health, it’s important to brush after meals and snacks. This debris can build up on your implants and lead to decay or gum disease. Flossing should be done at least once per day as well. The strings are thin enough to slide between the gaps of your dental implant bridge as well as under your gums to clean out any food particles.

Regular Dental Checkups

After your procedure, the dentist will likely recommend that you visit him or her for regular visits to monitor the condition of your implants and gums. While dental implants are durable and long-lasting, they are not indestructible. The dentist will keep an eye on your implant using X-rays and other diagnostic tools. By visiting your dentist regularly, they can catch any potential problems before they have a chance to impact your smile negatively.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking can delay the healing process following implant surgery, and it can also cause a number of oral issues, such as gum disease, oral cancer, and more. If someone is a smoker considering implants, quitting the habit prior to the procedure is recommended to ensure a successful recovery.

Avoiding Teeth Grinding

Porcelain dental crowns are attached to the implant posts, making them strong and durable. However, they can become damaged if you grind your teeth at night, which is often called bruxism. If you suffer from this condition, talk to your dentist about night guards from the dentist’s office.

If you have questions or concerns about your dental implants, call our dentist in Bakersfield, CA, to schedule an appointment. Your dentist can examine your mouth and determine the best treatment for you.