It is very important for anyone who's undergone tooth loss to address the area in the mouth where the tooth/teeth used to be. Some of the popular options in these situations include dentures, bridges, or crowns.
For patients who are missing one or more teeth, and either cannot or do not want to get dentures, bridges, or crowns, dental implants are another popular and very effective option. However, as with any medical procedure, proper care is required in the aftermath of getting dental implants, both in order to ensure the implants' long-term effectiveness, as well as to prevent gum disease plaque and tartar buildup around the site of the implant.
Let's briefly examine what exactly dental implants are, why they are necessary, and, most importantly, how to properly care for your dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss in which artificial roots are surgically implanted into the jawbone and often covered with a porcelain crown. Dental implants, which are designed to look and function exactly like natural teeth, differ from other tooth replacement options because they not only replace the tooth but the root as well.
It is worth noting that dental implants, while an extremely popular and effective way to replace missing teeth with a durable, natural-looking, and feeling alternative, do themselves require proper care and maintenance to ensure long-term success. With good care, a dental implant can be expected to last at least a decade, if not longer, without the need for retreatment.
When and Why Are Dental Implants Necessary?
Simply put, dental implants are necessary for instances when a patient has lost one or more teeth due to poor oral hygiene, plaque, and tartar buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, or impact from an accident and is seeking durable, natural-looking replacements.
Dental implants (and similar solutions, like bridges or dentures) are necessary because, in the aftermath of tooth loss, the affected area must be treated and a replacement put in place to keep a healthy diet and prevent additional dental or medical issues.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
While dental implants do offer an excellent solution for patients who've experienced tooth loss, they are, unfortunately, not right for everyone. Anyone receiving dental implants generally ought to:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have fairly healthy gums (people with gingivitis, periodontitis, or any other form of gum disease can't have dental implants)
- Have a jawbone structure that is strong enough to support an implant
For these reasons, before proceeding with implant implants, patients must consult a dentist or oral surgeon to review their medical histories and profiles to determine whether they are good candidates for dental implants.
Tips for Caring for Your Dental Implants
For those who do qualify as candidates for (or have recently gotten) dental implants, we're offering some tips on how to help ensure those implants' long-term success through proper post-procedure care:
- Practice good oral hygiene – Like natural teeth, dental implants require good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, rinsing daily with an antibacterial mouthwash, and flossing regularly to remove food particles and plaque from around the implant.
- Regular dental checkups – Patients with dental implants should schedule regular checkups with their dentist to ensure the health of their dental implants.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods – Hard or sticky foods – including chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, hard candy, chewing gum, or caramel – can damage dental implants or pull them out of place and should be avoided as much as possible.
- Quit smoking – Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure by reducing blood flow to the gums and bones that support the implant. Smokers receiving implants should consider quitting to improve the longevity of their dental implants.
- Use a mouthguard – Patients who participate in sports with a risk of impact to the mouth and teeth and those who grind their teeth at night will want to consider using a nightguard.
- Follow your dentist's instructions – As with any medical procedure, a person's body may react to dental implants. It is thus imperative to carefully follow the specific care instructions provided by the dentist familiar with the patient and their medical history.
By following these tips, you can maintain the health and longevity of your dental implants. Of course, even if you are following all of these steps, if you experience any problems with your implants, such as pain, swelling, or loosening, contact your dentist immediately, as early corrective treatment can prevent further damage and ensure long-term success of dental implants.
Dental Implants in Lake Charles, LA
If you're in the Lake Charles area and think you might need dental implants or would like guidance in caring for an existing implant, rather than simply Googling "dentist near me" and taking your chances, contact dentist Dr. Scott Hannaman and the team at Hannaman Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation appointment.