Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. Most often used in single tooth replacement cases, an implant is placed where the tooth’s root was. After a period of healing, a special post (called an abutment) and a permanent crown will be placed. When we place your crown, we will discuss how to take care of it.
“WHY DO I NEED TO BRUSH AND FLOSS A TOOTH THAT ISN’T MY NATURAL TOOTH?”
Even though your implant and crown are not natural tooth structure, it still needs the same care as your natural teeth. Although it can’t get cavities like your natural teeth, plaque and tartar can still develop around your implant. Without daily care, the tissue surrounding the implant can become inflamed and infected, which can cause loss of supportive bone around the implant. If there is too much bone loss, the implant can fail.
BRUSHING YOUR IMPLANT
Brush your implant crown in the same as you would all of your other teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be sure to brush twice a day. Remember – let your toothbrush do the job! There is no need to scrub or apply hard pressure.
FLOSSING YOUR IMPLANT
Here is where flossing your implant crown is a little different than flossing natural teeth. When you floss an implant, you will actually be able to slide the floss under your implant crown. Do this on both sides of your implant, even if one or both sides of your implant have no adjacent teeth. Some people may need to use a thicker floss (such as Superfloss), or even Proxabrushes (small brushes that slide into the space between your teeth).
REGULAR DENTAL VISITS
Good homecare, and visiting us twice a year, is key in maintaining your implant – along with all of your teeth.
Questions? Please contact us by phone at (781) 942-2020, by navigating to our Contact page or by e-mail at info@drkhull.com.
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