Your natural teeth have many benefits, but without proper care, they can become easily damaged. Failing to brush and floss regularly can lead to problems like tooth decay, cavities, infections, and gum disease, all of which can cost you your teeth and even portions of your jawbone. If you are missing any, you likely know the challenges this can pose, including difficulties chewing, speaking, and maintaining your oral health, but dental implants can help.
These permanent prosthetics are secured to the jawbone so they cannot fall out, and once topped with a crown look and behave just like real ones. They feel natural, are fully functional, and help support your oral health by providing stimulation to your jawbone and protection to your remaining teeth.
But you still need to care for them just like you would a biological tooth: by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Furthermore, you should still visit your dentist twice a year for your regular, bi-annual cleaning and exam. Yes, even if you have a full mouth of dental implants. Here’s why.
The Importance of Caring for Dental Implants
Your dental implants are an important investment in your oral health, but they’re a significant financial investment, too. Naturally, you’ll want to take excellent care of them, so they last a lifetime. Maintaining dental implants is much easier than you might think, but they still do require a consistent hygiene routine.
One of the issues that real teeth have is their ability to get cavities if not properly brushed. With dental implants, you needn’t worry about this. Because they are synthetic (typically made of porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain fused with metal (PFM)) they cannot get cavities or decay, but they still can break if misused (only chew food with them!). Furthermore, you can still get gum disease if you don’t brush and floss, which could eventually lead to implant failure and a bone graft procedure.
The crowns of your implants can also become stained or discolored if not kept clean. Unfortunately, unlike real teeth, they cannot be professionally whitened, so if you’d like to restore their original color, you’ll need to replace them. Thus, brushing and flossing is important, as is quitting dangerous habits such as smoking cigarettes, which can also increase your risk of implant failure.
Remember, while nothing is as good as your natural teeth, dental implants are a close second. These permanent prosthetics look and function identically and have many oral health benefits. If you’re looking for a way to restore your smile without the hassle of dentures or bridges, speak to your dentist and see if you’re a good candidate for this life-changing solution.
About Our Practice
Newark families have trusted White Clay Dental Associates for over 50 years, and it’s easy to see why. Our combination of cutting-edge technology and good, old-fashioned compassionate care has earned us the title of “Top Dentist 2024” by Delaware Today magazine!
If you’re looking for a way to permanently restore your smile, dental implants could be the answer. These prosthetics look and feel just like your natural teeth and offer myriad oral health benefits that you can’t get with dentures and bridges.
To see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling us at 302-731-4225.