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Caring for Dental Implants with St. Louis County Dental
Dental implants have become a popular solution for people seeking to replace missing teeth. They are a long-lasting and durable option, and with proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years. After having dental implant surgery, it is crucial to follow the post-op care instructions provided by your dentist. Proper dental implant care helps to ensure that the implants heal properly, integrate with the jawbone, and function like natural teeth. Drs. Brace and Grayem have provided a comprehensive guide on post-op dental implant care to help you ensure that your implants last a lifetime.
Residents of Woodbine, Kirkwood, and Clayton experience patient-centered dental implant care at our St. Louis, MO, dental practice. Call 314-762-6784 to schedule your visit today.
Complete Implant Solutions Under One Roof
At St. Louis County Dental, we’re proud to be a true full-service implant dental practice. Unlike other offices that may refer you to multiple specialists, we handle every aspect of your implant treatment right here in our state-of-the-art facility. Our comprehensive services include oral surgery for implant placement, custom crown and bridge work, and complete smile restoration, all performed by our experienced team.
This integrated approach means better coordination of your care, fewer appointments, and consistent quality throughout your treatment. Whether you need a single tooth implant or a complete full-arch implant smile, we have the expertise and technology to deliver beautiful, long-lasting results without the hassle of visiting multiple offices or dealing with different treatment teams.
Dental Implant Hygiene Tips
Brush Twice Daily with the Right Tools
Brushing your dental implants twice a day is critical to removing plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the implant surface or irritating your gums. Electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads are highly effective for thorough cleaning.
Pro Tip: Opt for a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the implant’s surface. Avoid whitening toothpastes with harsh ingredients that could damage the restoration.
Floss Daily to Prevent Plaque Buildup
Flossing is essential for cleaning areas around the implant that a toothbrush can’t reach, such as under the gumline. Use implant-specific floss, unwaxed dental tape, or a water flosser for gentle yet effective cleaning. Plaque buildup around implants can lead to peri-implant mucositis, a reversible condition that, if untreated, may progress to peri-implantitis.
Pro Tip: Ask our dentist to demonstrate proper flossing techniques for implants during your next visit.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce bacteria and maintain gum health. Look for products with chlorhexidine or essential oils, which are effective against plaque without irritating sensitive tissues.
Consider Interdental Brushes for Hard-to-Reach Areas
Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to clean between teeth and implants. They’re especially useful for patients with wider gaps or fixed implant bridges. Gently insert the brush between the implant and adjacent teeth, moving it back and forth to remove debris.
Pro Tip: Choose the right size brush to avoid applying excessive pressure.
Additional Cleaning Guidelines
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating hard or crunchy foods for the first few days after the surgery
- Begin gentle cleaning with a soft toothbrush and water within 24 to 48 hours after surgery (follow your dentist’s specific instructions)
- Avoid vigorous brushing near the surgical site until healing is complete
Implant Care & Maintenance
In addition to cleaning your dental implants, there are several other important steps you can take to maintain the health of your implants and ensure that they last a lifetime:
- Attend regular dental check-ups with your St. Louis dentist to ensure that the implants are healing properly and to check for any potential problems
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports to protect your implants and other teeth from damage
- Make smart lifestyle choices that support overall oral health
Routine Visits to the Dentist
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining excellent oral health and keeping your dental implants in pristine condition. Our dentist will examine your implants to check for any signs of wear or damage and clean and polish them to remove plaque and tartar buildup. We recommend visiting once every six months to ensure your dental implants stay in excellent shape, along with your surrounding natural teeth.
Problems that Can Occur without Proper Dental Implant Care
Implant maintenance problems can occur despite regular care and maintenance. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Peri-implantitis
This is a type of gum disease that affects the tissue around the implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and redness around the implant site. To treat peri-implantitis, our dentist may recommend antibiotics, deep cleaning procedures, or even surgery in severe cases.
Loose Implant
If you feel like your implant is loose or wobbly, it may be due to a loose abutment screw or dental implant failure. Contact our St. Louis dentist immediately for an evaluation and treatment options.
Broken Restoration
The crown, bridge, or denture that is attached to the implant may become loose, crack, or break over time. This can be due to normal wear and tear or physical trauma. Depending on the extent of the damage, our dentist may recommend a repair or replacement.
Gum Recession
Gum recession can occur around the implant, exposing the implant to bacteria and leading to implant failure. Our dentist may recommend gum grafting surgery to address the recession and prevent further damage.
Why Caring for Dental Implants Matters
Dental implants are designed to mimic natural teeth. Unlike natural teeth, implants are anchored into the jawbone with a titanium post, making them stable but still susceptible to plaque buildup and gum issues. Proper care ensures:
- Longevity: Well-maintained dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime
- Oral Health: Good hygiene prevents infections that could affect surrounding teeth and gums
- Aesthetics: Clean implants maintain a natural, polished look
- Cost Savings: Avoiding complications reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat normally with dental implants?
Yes, once the implants have fully healed, you can eat normally. You may need to avoid hard or crunchy foods for the first few days after the surgery to prevent any damage to the implant site. After the healing period, you can eat normally, and the implant will function like a natural tooth.
How long does it take for dental implants to heal?
The healing time for dental implants varies from person to person, but typically it takes about three to six months for the implants to fully integrate with the jawbone. During this time, it is important to follow the post-op care instructions provided by your dentist and attend regular check-ups to ensure that the healing process is progressing as expected.
Can I brush and floss my dental implants as I do with my natural teeth?
Yes, you can brush and floss your dental implants as you do with your natural teeth. This helps to remove any food particles and plaque and keeps the implants clean. It is important to use a soft-bristled brush and to floss daily to maintain the health of your implants. Regular dental cleanings with your dentist can also help keep the implants clean and healthy.
Is it necessary to have a special diet after dental implant surgery?
You do not need to follow a specific diet after dental implant surgery, but it is important to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet to support the healing process. For the first few days after the surgery, you may need to avoid hard or crunchy foods to prevent any damage to the implant site.
After that, you can eat normally, but it is recommended to avoid overly sugary or acidic foods, which can damage the implants and your natural teeth. It is also important to stay hydrated and avoid drinking alcohol and carbonated drinks, which can slow down the healing process.
Does food get trapped under a dental implant?
No, since the base of your dental implant is fused with your jawbone, food won’t get trapped under the restoration. Unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth.
How soon after dental implant surgery should I start cleaning?
Follow your dentist’s instructions, but gentle cleaning with a soft toothbrush and water may begin within 24 to 48 hours. Avoid vigorous brushing near the surgical site until healing is complete.
Take the First Step to a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles with Dr. Brace & Dr. Grayem
At St. Louis County Dental, our top priority is ensuring that our patients receive the best possible dental care and outcomes. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive aftercare for the dental implant procedure to our patients. Our experienced dental team in St. Louis will provide you with the information and guidance you need to care for your dental implants and maintain optimal oral health.
Caring for dental implants doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment. By following a daily hygiene routine, attending regular dental checkups, and making smart lifestyle choices, you can ensure your implants remain functional and beautiful for decades.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental implant aftercare, please do not hesitate to contact us at 314-762-6784 or fill out our contact form. We’re always here to help and support our patients in achieving their best smiles, welcoming patients from Woodbine, Kirkwood, and Clayton. Call us today to schedule a follow-up appointment and start your journey to a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth!