Maintaining and caring for dental implants are quite similar to the care of your natural teeth. It is also important to maintain the health of your gums and the jaw bone tissue that supports your dental implants. Dr. Pamela Doray is a Philadelphia dentist that wants patients to be informed about the best way to care for dental implants. When properly cared for, these innovative dental prosthetics can last their recipient a lifetime.
Can Dental Implants Get Infected?
Because dental implants are artificial teeth, it is impossible for the implant itself to develop decay or cavities. However, the longevity of a dental implant can be endangered when the gum tissue around the implant becomes inflamed. This kind of infection targets the soft gum and hard bone tissues surrounding dental implants.
Dental implants can become covered in the same plaque and bacteria that lead to tooth decay and periodontal infections in your natural teeth. If left untreated, these bacteria can even form dental calculus on implants as well. Calculus is when plaque hardens into a rough, hard coating that can cause the supporting gum tissue to pull away, making the implant lose in the jaw.
Once formed, deposits can only be removed by a professional dental hygienist using specialized tools. If the calculus is not removed this can lead to receding gum tissue and bone loss and may result in the implant becoming loose or even falling out.
How to Keep Dental Implants Healthy
Your dental implants should be brushed at least twice daily and flossed every day. Performing regular oral hygiene after meals are especially important for removing food particles that are stuck between teeth and can feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
We advise that you use:
- A small, soft, ADA-approved manual toothbrush or an electric brush
- Low-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste
- Dental floss for cleaning around the implant
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses
Schedule an Appointment
Do you need to schedule a routine dental visit? Are you interested in receiving dental implants? Contact Dr. Doray’s dental office by calling (215) 395-6076 or requesting an appointment online. If you have any questions about dental implants, we will be happy to help.