Dental implants are a transformative treatment, and can really make a world of difference for those who have lost one or more of their permanent teeth. While the root and the denture may be artificial, if doesn’t mean they don’t require the same standard of care you’d give your natural teeth. With proper care and attention they can last upwards of 25 years, so it’s worth learning the best ways to care for your dental implants.

Why Care for Your Implants?

Alongside the obvious health benefits, there are numerous reasons it’s important to take good care of your dental implants. First and foremost is the expense of having them fitted. Implants aren’t cheap, often thousands of pounds to have fitted (potentially running into £10-20k if you require multiple implants), so why wouldn’t you want to make that investment last as long as possible? You would spend that much on a car and ignore things like servicing and putting oil in the engine, so why would you ignore the regular upkeep of a similarly priced item?

Proper Care

The day to day care of your dental implants is actually pretty straightforward, and is much like the cleaning and care you should be doing for your natural teeth. Regular brushing is essential, as is the use of mouthwash.

Flossing, while an important part of routine dental care, takes on additional importance when you have an implant fitted. Preventing debris becoming lodged under the denture is important to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in the immediate period after the implant is placed.

Regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist are also important to ensure the implant has fused correctly and is being thoroughly cleaned. Your dentist will monitor the stability of the implant and the health of the surrounding gum tissue, making sure the implant is secure and functioning as intended. The hygienist will ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and not at risk of infection, an issue which can cause the implant to fail in some cases.

Make Them Last

Most cosmetic dental treatments involve a significant financial investment, so it’s in your best interests to ensure your treatments last as long as they possibly can. Dental implants in particular are costly, but the benefits they provide for overall oral health, not to mention the aesthetic benefits, make them a worthwhile investment. Ensuring you take proper care of them will help you get the most from your money and keep you looking (and feeling) better for longer.