Important Strategies To Employ When You Get A Dental Implant
Posted on: 28 March 2017
Having a dental implant put in by your dentist can improve your smile and make you feel more confident. This procedure, which involves several visits to the dental clinic, includes a post affixed to your jawbone and protruding through your gums, with an artificial tooth mounted to it. During the process of getting a dental implant and in the months and years afterward, it's important for you to take a proactive role in preventing issues with the implant — this procedure is a permanent solution to a missing tooth, but only if you take care of it. Here are some valuable strategies for you to employ.
Maintain Proper Gum Health
In order for your dental implant to "take" during the procedure, as well as for it to remain healthy, your gums need to be healthy. This is so critical that you may not be a candidate for dental implants if you have unhealthy gums. You can maintain good gum health through a variety of means, including brushing and flossing regularly, using dentist-approved mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned. Avoiding the use of harmful products such as chewing tobacco can also help you avoid poor gum health.
Watch What You Eat
It's a good idea to make some dietary changes when you get a dental implant. Although your new tooth is firmly in place, there's a risk that it could come off its post as a result of your diet. You should typically stay away from foods that are excessively hard, as these can put lots of pressure on the area and risk damaging the implant. For example, hard candies, nuts, and even chewing meat off the bone are all best to avoid. You should also resist the urge to chew ice cubes given their hard nature.
Use A Water Flosser
If you find that it's difficult to floss around your dental implant, don't give up on your intention to effectively clean the area. Instead, turn to a water flosser. This tool sprays water into your mouth in a fine jet, helping to dislodge stuck food particles that can rot and promote the growth of bacteria. Your dentist may recommend a specific brand or model of water flosser as being particularly effective for patients with a dental implant, as well as demonstrate a product for you so that you'll know exactly how to use it effectively.
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