Caring for Your Implants

Tooth implants can last as long as natural teeth, sometimes even longer. They have been used very successfully over the years to replace teeth that had to be removed for various reasons. They are an adequate replacement for your natural teeth, because they work exactly the same way, and will last a lifetime if you apply the following tips:

• If you are a smoker, you are already risking your current teeth and mouth to oral health problems including oral cancer, gingivitis and other oral health problems. Being a smoker with tooth implants can bring in many complications to the effectiveness of your implants. They will not last as long as they should if you continue to smoke, so quitting is the best way to ensure longevity of use.

• For your implant to last long, you need to pay extra attention to oral hygiene. Ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
• Aside from caring for your implants, it is also very important for you to maintain them. Regular visits to your dentist at Willow Park Dental is important. Complications such as mucositis and peri-implantitis can develop without you noticing anything different. When you go in for regular check-ups these are the diseases your dentist will look out for.

These check-ups should ideally take place every three to six months. Your implants, teeth and gums will be checked by your dentist during these visits and will also be professionally cleaned in ways you cannot clean them at home. Professional cleaning of implants is more complex than the cleaning of natural teeth and requires special equipment that Willow Park Dental can accommodate you with.