After getting a Dental implant or Prothesis ( Crown or Bridge ), it is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene to ensure its longevity and prevent complications.
Here are some steps you can follow :1- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove any food particles or plaque that can accumulate around the implant or Crown.
2- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth and implant twice a day. A soft-bristled brush will help prevent damage to the implant or Crown and surrounding tissue.
3- Angle the Brush Correctly and Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, and brush gently in a circular motion. Brush the front, back, and top of the implant or Crown, as well as the neighboring teeth.
4- Floss Daily: Flossing is essential to remove any plaque or food particles that can accumulate around the implant or crown. Use a floss threader to guide the floss under the implant crown and between the teeth.
5- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria and keep your mouth clean. Rinse your mouth with the mouthwash for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
6- Avoid using abrasive products, such as baking soda or whitening toothpaste, which can damage the implant and crown surface or surrounding tissue
7- You must use a water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas around the implant. A water flosser uses a jet of water to remove plaque and food particles that the tooth brush can,t reach around the implant.
8- Use a tongue scraper to remove any bacteria or debris from your tongue, which can contribute to bad breath and dental problems.
9- Avoid Smoking: Smoking is known to increase the risk of dental implant and Crown failure. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can slow down the healing process and weaken the bone around the implant, making it more susceptible to infection. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking altogether or at least cut down significantly.
10- Follow a soft diet immediately After getting a dental implant or bridges, it is important to avoid hard and crunchy foods that can put pressure on the implant and bridges. Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days after the surgery. Eat foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
11- Avoid chewing on the implant until it has fully healed and fused with the jawbone. Chewing on the implant can put stress on it and prevent proper healing. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pencils, or fingernails.
12- Attend Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental checkups are essential to ensure the health and longevity of your dental implant. Your dentist will check the implant for any signs of infection or damage and recommend any necessary treatment. They will also clean the implant to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that can cause complications
13- Notify Your Dentist of Any Problems: If you experience any pain, swelling, or other problems with your dental implant or under bridge, notify your dentist immediately. Early detection and treatment of any complications can prevent further damage and ensure the success of the implant and crowns.
14- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can help promote bone health and support the healing process after implant surgery. Include foods that are high in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, such as dairy products, leafy greens, fish, and lean meats.
15- Avoid Grinding Your Teeth: Grinding your teeth can put excessive pressure on the implant or bridges and cause damage to the surrounding tissue. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), speak to your dentist about getting a custom-made mouthguard to wear while sleeping.
16- Seek Professional Dental Cleaning: Professional dental cleaning can help remove any stubborn plaque or tartar buildup around the implant. Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist to keep your implant clean and healthy.
In conclusion, proper care and maintenance of your dental implant and bridges are crucial for its longevity and success. Practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, following a soft food diet, avoiding chewing on the implant, attending regular dental checkups, and notifying your dentist of any problems are all important steps in caring for your dental implant. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of your dental implant for years to come.