Caring for Dental Implants
Dental implants have become a popular way of replacing lost teeth. They represent a serious investment in your long term oral health. With proper care and dedication to an effective oral hygiene regimen they can last a lifetime.
Because they are made from porcelain, gold or composite materials, dental implants are not subject to tooth decay the way natural teeth. However, they still do require regular brushing and flossing. This is especially true if you have struggled with periodontal disease in the past.
Bacterial buildup and plaque can easily harden into tartar which can still affect the health of your gum tissues. Over time this can develop into periodontal disease and cause the loss of bone in the parts of the jaw that anchor the implants.
Dental implants are still susceptible to minor staining, but not at the same rate as your remaining natural teeth. When the crown of your implant was made it was matched to the surrounding teeth. If you use tobacco or enjoy drinks like coffee and tea you might run into an issue with your natural teeth staining to a degree that they no longer perfectly match the implant.
Visiting your dentist twice a year for your regular checkup also goes a long way towards maintaining gum health and helping to remove minor surface stains from your remaining natural teeth.
If you have questions about the best way to maintain your implants and remaining natural teeth, please feel free to call us at 661-665-0077 to schedule an appointment.