4 Ways to Protect Your Dental Implant Restoration

Considering dental implants? A dental implant restoration is an artificial tooth that is attached to a dental implant to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Although they are durable, it is important to know how to protect your restoration in the long term as they are vulnerable to damage if not properly cared for.

4 Care tips for dental implants

There are certain things every dental implant patient can do each day to protect their restoration. The following are four habits to develop that can significantly reduce the risk of early dental implant complications, ensuring the dental implant restoration lasts for much more than a decade.

1. Practice good oral hygiene

For the most part, patients can care for their dental implant restoration the same way they would care for their natural teeth. The individual’s oral care routine should include brushing several times each day, flossing and using mouthwash as recommended by their dentist. It is also important to check for any signs of complications as well, along with following any additional instructions the dentist provides. A healthy mouth ensures a strong and secure hold of the dental implant restoration, preventing a loose implant or the loss of the restoration.

2. Limit harmful foods

Although one of the benefits of a dental implant restoration over other tooth replacement solutions is the access to more food options, it is still helpful to eat a diet that does not damage the gums or existing teeth. To protect the restoration, consider avoiding foods high in sugar and hard and sticky foods that can damage the restoration. Another helpful tip as it pertains to good oral hygiene includes drinking water throughout the day to wash away bacteria and food particles that can damage gums and natural teeth.

3. Wear a mouthguard when necessary

One of the biggest risks of dental implant restoration damage is a blow to the face, which can be the result of playing sports, weightlifting, or working in potentially dangerous conditions. To reduce the risk of trauma to the face and subsequent damage to the dental implant, consider wearing a mouthguard. If teeth grinding is an issue at night, then talk to your dentist about a mouthguard specifically to prevent teeth grinding while sleeping.

4. Visit the dentist regularly

Preventing damage to or an early loss of the dental implant restoration starts at home with good daily habits, but it is also important to visit the dentist regularly, as well. There are certain things that the patient cannot check for, and routine visits ensure the restoration remains in good condition. The dentist can also check for oral health issues that may affect the implant in the future, such as the development of gum disease.

Dental implants can last for decades

With proper care, dental implants can last for more than 20 years, providing the patient with a beautiful smile that brings them confidence. To learn more about dental implant restorations for a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, reach out to us today and schedule a time to come in for a visit.

Are you considering dental implants in the Saratoga Springs area? Get more information at https://www.mysaratogadentist.com.

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