Cleaning and protecting your teeth should always be some of your top priorities – even when those teeth are actually overdentures attached to dental implants! When surgically placed in the jaw, implants can stabilize and strengthen a new smile for decades, but that can only happen as long as you’re practicing proper maintenance. How can you protect your new teeth once your smile has been restored? Read on to learn everything you need to know about taking care of dental implants in Kittanning.
What Happens if You Don’t Take Care of Your Implant Overdentures?
One of the most important goals of implant maintenance is preventing peri-implantitis, a type of infection that is very similar to gum disease. Plaque – a sticky film of bacteria and sugars – can build up on your overdentures and around the implant post, and if left alone it could start to affect the gum tissue. When the infection is left alone for a while, it will eventually start to attack the bone in your jaw, breaking it down; if that happens, your implants will no longer be secure. Peri-implantitis can be treated and even reversed if caught early, but if you can stop it from developing at all, your smile will be all the safer for it.
What are the Steps of Good Implant Maintenance?
Taking care of implant overdentures isn’t at all complicated; in fact, you may notice that many of the steps involved are very similar to those used to protect natural teeth. Of course, your dentist will have more specific instructions for you once you’ve actually received your dentures in Kittanning, but here are some tips you’ll generally need to follow:
- Follow a Strict Cleaning Routine: You’ll be given specific instructions for cleaning your implants and overdentures as well as the rest of your mouth. This means brushing and flossing normally while also paying attention to the line area where the dentures meet the gums
- Avoid Certain Foods: To make sure that you don’t accidentally damage your false teeth or put too much strain on your implants, it’s best to stay away from sticky, hard, or chewy foods whenever you can.
- Visit Your Dentist: Regular appointments with your dentist in Kittanning will help keep your mouth clean, and they provide an opportunity to find and treat early oral health issues that could eventually threaten your implants. Outside of your regular checkups, you should call your dentist whenever you notice that your dentures are starting to cause soreness or irritation.
Maintaining your implant dentures takes work, but the results are many years of enjoying reliable teeth that stay in place, make it easier to speak clearly, and allow you to visit your favorite restaurants without worry. Talk to your dentist about other things you can do to protect your dentures.
About the Author
Having provided excellent care for Kittanning families at Voller Dentistry since 1981, Dr. Ray Voller is an experienced dentist who has spoken in front of dental professionals and students about different aspects of modern dentistry. He’s particularly interested in restorative dentistry and full-mouth reconstruction, and he can provide strong, attractive dentures that can be supported by long-lasting dental implants. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (724) 543-4948.