Dental implants near Barrington are recommended for patients who want to permanently restore one or more missing teeth. Dental implants consist of tiny titanium screws that are surgically implanted beneath the gums. Dental implants fuse with healthy bone tissue, preserving your jaw bone and even stimulating new growth. Depending on your needs, dental implants may be covered with a dental crown or dental bridge. With proper care, dental implants can last for a lifetime. Keep reading to learn how you should care for your dental implants by allowing healing time, practicing good hygiene, and scheduling regular check-ups.
Allow Healing Time
The first step in caring for your dental implants involves simply waiting for them to heal. Dental implants do require surgery, and it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions exactly. Healing time varies, but most dental patients require about two to four months. This healing time is essential, as it allows your dental implants to completely fuse with your jawbone. During the healing time, you should not bite down on dental implants. Extra biting forces can jeopardize the health of your implants.
Practice Good Hygiene
To maintain your dental implants’ functionality and health, it is important to practice good oral hygiene. Many patients need dental implants after suffering tooth loss due to periodontal disease. Gum disease can always return, so it is important to brush teeth twice daily and floss every night before bed. Your dentist will review specific tools and techniques for keeping your dental implants healthy, but brushing and flossing are the most important parts of maintaining healthy dental implants.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
After you get dental implants, you will need to periodically return to your dentist to make sure you are in superior dental health. Your dentist will perform a dental exam to check that the gums and bones surrounding your dental implants are healthy. He or she will also take X-rays to make sure you are maintaining healthy jaw bone growth. Finally, your dentist will check to verify that your dental restorations are properly attached to your dental implants.