How to Care for Your Dental Implants
Help maintain healthy implants.
For many people, undergoing dental implant surgery is a major step towards restoring a healthy smile and a mouth that’s free from the ravages of poor oral hygiene. With such major factors on the line, it’s only right that the aftercare for dental implants is both well-planned and extremely thorough.
What are Dental Implants?
For centuries, dentists have been trying to replace lost teeth in as natural a way as possible. The aim has always been to replicate nature’s perfect chewing system with artificial materials. Dental implants are the result of that work.
Usually made of biocompatible titanium, dental implants are a huge part of modern dentistry. Each implant, usually consisting of a metal thread or frame, is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the soft tissue of the gum. Once in place, a replacement tooth (or teeth) can be fixed into place.
As well as the recovery of appearance, dental implants provide functionality like chewing, as well as aiding speaking and laughing.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants typically last for around 10-20 years, depending on the location of the implant and how well they are cared for. Regular dental check-ups can help ensure implants remain healthy.
Generally, dental implants towards the front of the mouth will last longer than those at the back. This is due to the additional stress placed on molars when chewing.
However, with the help of bluem® implant care, well-placed and well-maintained dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime.
Aftercare for Dental Implants
Dental implants need the same care and attention as natural teeth. This means maintaining good oral hygiene before and after implant surgery.
You should brush properly twice a day for at least two minutes using a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush.
When brushing, try using fluoride-free toothpaste (such as bluem® fluoride free toothpaste). This type of toothpaste is ideal for anyone with dental implants, as research has shown that fluoride and abrasive components are not suitable for the daily maintenance of implants.
You’ll also need to floss and maintain regular dental cleanings and check-ups, as scheduled by you and your dentist.
Additional cleaning aids also may be recommended to help keep your dental implants healthy at home.
Why it’s Important to Care for Dental Implants
Taking good care of your dental implants is crucial as they can become susceptible to infection.
The gum tissue around dental implants, unlike around teeth, is not biologically attached and therefore is more prone to harmful bacteria.
Inflammation (peri-implantitis and oral mucositis) has been shown to develop in up to 40% of patients with dental implants over time. Good oral hygiene before, during and after surgery is very important to reduce the risk of developing problems. Improving your oral health will prolong the life of your implants.
As is the case with natural teeth, you and your dentist must work as a team to ensure the longevity of your dental implant with an aftercare plan. While replacement teeth can’t get cavities, they are subject to the same wear and tear as natural teeth.
Take Good Care of Your Implants
“Take good care of your implants.” Words of wisdom from Dr Peter Blijdorp, the founding father of bluem®.
As a highly respected oral surgeon, Dr Blijdorp thoroughly recommends rinsing with bluem® mouthwash and the application of bluem® oral gel around the implant to accelerate the healing process.
About 48 hours after the surgery, you will be able to begin the aftercare for your dental implants by brushing with toothpaste a soft toothbrush.
Why Use bluem® After Dental Implant Surgery?
Taking good care of your oral health can help your implants last much longer and prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.
Using oxygen-enriched bluem® products normalises and controls bacteria around implants, while the addition of fluoride-free toothpaste prevents the corrosion of your titanium implant.
The unique active oxygen-releasing formula of bluem® products and other key ingredients help with recovery (post-surgery) and long-term daily maintenance of implants and healthy teeth.
For the best results, use bluem® fluoride free toothpaste and bluem® mouthwash together as part of your twice-daily routine.
Remember; healthy mouth, healthy body.
