HINTON, EDSON, JASPER, GRANDE CACHE ALBERTA - If you want your dental implant(s) to last a lifetime, there are some simple oral hygiene rules to follow. Because
dental implants function like natural teeth, they should be cared for
the same way you care for your natural teeth. A regular regimen of
brushing, flossing, check ups and cleanings at your dentist's office are
the first steps in caring for your implants. It is also important to be
vigilant of the types of foods that your eat ... especially foods high
in starch and sugar. These foods can cause a build up of acid laden
bacteria which can cause gum disease. Proper maintenance of dental
implants should become an important part of your daily routine. By
developing good oral hygiene habits, you reduce the risk of having the
implants fail. Remember, you have invested time, effort and money into
having the implants placed and restored. To neglect them, may mean
having to have the whole procedure repeated again.
Short of oral surgery for something like a fractured jaw, a dental implant
is perhaps the most advanced dental procedure a patient will receive.
However, it is a procedure that is carried out daily in thousands of
dental offices, with wonderful results; so patients should not view the
placing of a dental implant as a 'daunting' process. After implant
surgery, most patients are pleasantly surprised by how 'easy' the whole
process was, with little or no discomfort. While dental implants are
strong and permanent, they are not indestructible.
Once the dentist
determines that the implant is firmly in place, the abutment and
porcelain crown will be attached. You will regain the feeling of having a
natural tooth back in place. Porcelain is very strong ... almost as
strong as tooth enamel ... but your porcelain crown can chip or break if
enough force is applied. This is also true of dentures, if you have a
bar-retained overdenture. You should never use your teeth as a tool,
like a bottle opener, or for crunching hard candy or ice. Teeth are
designed for chewing regular edible foods, and will last you a very long
time if properly taken care of. As we tell our patients ... "if you
think your teeth aren't important, imagine trying to eat without them."
Dr. Andrew Madej and Dr. William Vu
will surgically implant the titanium threaded screw directly into the
bone. Depending on the type of implant procedure, you will have to go
through a healing period, during which your jaw bone and gums are
allowed to heal and grow around the implant. This 'healing' period
(known as "osseointegration") stabilizes the implant in the bone, and
makes for a stronger foundation for the attachment of the abutment and
porcelain crown.
Dental implants
have a very high success rate, about 95 - 98%, but it is possible for a
dental implant to fail. You will be evaluated before your implant is
placed, to ensure the best possible outcome for a successful implant.
Your Dentist will set up a checkup schedule after the implant has been
placed, to avoid possible complications that may arise and to care for
the implant(s).
Caring for Your Implant
Dr. Andrew Madej and Dr. William Vu
and their Staff will provide you with written instructions on how to
take care of your dental implants. Our Dental Hygienists are very
experienced in the care and maintenance of dental implants, and are more
than happy to provide you with the oral hygiene aids used for implant
care. They will provide you with answers to any questions you may have.
Below are some important points to remember:
1.
Let your Dentist know immediately if you are experiencing any problems
with the new implant. Don't let a minor problem turn into a major one.
2.
Maintain the checkup-schedule recommended by your Dentist ... usually
every 6-12 monthsfor an examination and cleaning. Follow the
instructions that are given after the implantshave been placed.
3. Drinking water is good for your general health, and is also a way to reduce the growth ofbacteria after eating.
4. Maintain good oral hygiene practices by brushing and flossing twice a day, or after eating.
Remember
to brush in the manner suggested by your Dentist or Dental Hygienist.
Brushingtoo hard, or with a tooth brush that is old or too stiff, can
cause dental problems. In termsof the bristles, your tooth brush should
always be a "soft" or "gentle" one. Hard or medium bristle brushes are
too abrasive to gums and teeth.
5. AVOID SMOKING. Apart from smoking being a significant health risk, it is one of the major
factors in the failure of dental implant procedures.
6.
Try to cut back on foods and drinks that are high in sugar content. If
this is difficult for you,at least brush after eating or drinking such
foods.
7.
For removable prosthesis. Take it out of your mouth, and brush both the
inside and outsideof the appliance. Then brush softly around the gums
and the abutments. Finally, use dentalfloss around the implant
abutments.
8.
For a fixed prosthesis (stays in the mouth). Brush and floss as you
would normally do withyour natural teeth, or use a water pik appliance.
9. Consider your implant(s) as an investment in your health and well-being.
To
learn more about caring for your dental implants, please contact Dr.
Andrew Madej and Dr. William Vu at Foothills Dental Center today and
begin enjoying all the many advantages of Dental Implant procedures.