Quick Summary
After implant surgery, day-to-day care is what protects the result. Brush and floss thoroughly at least twice a day to clear the plaque that causes periodontal disease, the leading cause of implant failure. Visit your dentist roughly every three months for the first year, then every six months. Avoid heavy chewing pressure on the implant, and ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Once you have had dental implants surgically placed, you will want to follow some important care tips to ensure their long-term success. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, so it’s exceptionally important to adhere to the instructions provided by your dentist and guidelines like these:
- Follow a vigilant routine of brushing and flossing thoroughly at least twice per day to eliminate the plaque that can cause periodontal disease, which is a leading cause of implant failure.
- Consult with your dentist about the type and use of special toothbrushes or oral irrigation devices that can help with the additional removal of food debris or plaque that builds up around the implant areas.
- Visit your dentist approximately every three months for the first year after implant surgery, and then every six months for the duration of your implants.
- If you are also wearing an implant supported denture, seek additional guidance from your dentist about the placement and removal of your denture to prevent damage to the implant.
- Refrain from applying excessive pressure or chewing on hard foods that could cause damage to the implant area. Patients who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) should consider being fitted for a night guard to protect the implants.
While the success rate of dental implants is high, implant failure can happen and normally results from infection, fracture, or damage to the nerves, teeth or blood vessels surrounding the implant. A successful implant patient who takes vigilant care of their teeth, gums, and implants can expect a full recovery and complication-free lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Billerica dental office!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I see the dentist after implant surgery?
Visit your dentist approximately every three months for the first year after implant surgery, and then every six months for as long as you have the implants. These visits let your dentist check the implant area and the health of the surrounding gum and bone.
What is the leading cause of implant failure?
Periodontal disease is a leading cause of implant failure, and it is caused by plaque. That is why a vigilant routine of thorough brushing and flossing at least twice a day matters so much after implant placement. Your dentist can also advise on special toothbrushes or oral irrigation devices that help clear debris around the implant.
Can a dental implant fail?
While the success rate of dental implants is high, implant failure can happen. It normally results from infection, fracture, or damage to the nerves, teeth or blood vessels surrounding the implant. Careful home care and keeping to your recommended check-up schedule are the main ways to reduce that risk.
I grind my teeth. Does that affect my implants?
Patients who grind their teeth, a habit called bruxism, should consider being fitted for a night guard to protect the implants. Grinding applies excessive pressure to the implant area. For the same reason, it is best to avoid chewing on hard foods that could damage it.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.