Dental Implants: Stains, Whitenings and Other Considerations
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Dental Implants: Stains, Whitenings and Other Considerations

Dental implants can make a smile look fabulous – I know I have them. However, if you are just thinking about getting them, you may have a lot of questions. You may be wondering how smoking affects implants, whether or not wine will stain them, if they can be whitened or other concerns. I also know from experience that it can be intimidating to ask some of these questions to your dentist. In my dental implant blog, I am going to answer the questions that can be hard to ask. I hope you find the info you need in this blog and that it guides you to the right decision about dental implants. Thanks for reading!

Dental Implants: Stains, Whitenings and Other Considerations

Getting more life out of your dental implants

Isobel Berry

Dental implants are one of the best options for replacing a missing or decayed tooth. The oral health risks of missing teeth are well known, as they can cause gum infections, misalignment, and even dietary complications.

If you recently underwent a dental implant procedure, you've taken a step in the right direction. Implants last for many years if they receive proper care. Because the base of the implant will fuse with your jawbone, this permanent procedure ensures that you remain with a full set of teeth for a long time to come.

However, don't forget that your implant(s) will still need regular care. Here are specific steps you should take to get more life out of your implants.  

1. Watch what you eat soon after surgery

Many patients make the mistake of eating the wrong foods soon after leaving their dentist's office. When your implant is inserted, it will need time to heal and permanently fuse with your jawbone. Therefore, you should be careful about what you eat in the early days.

Stick to softer foods and liquids such as milk, soup, chicken, and pudding. You should avoid hard candy or very hot/cold foods as they may cause sensitivity at the implant site. With time, you'll be able to continue with your regular diet.

2. Practice basic dental hygiene

You should treat your dental implants similar to other teeth inside your mouth. This means brushing regularly, flossing, and watching what's in your diet. If you have multiple implants, you may need to pay close attention when brushing.

For example, use a toothbrush that can remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from neighbouring teeth. Plaque can cause tooth decay, which may eventually affect the stability and performance of your implants.

3. Don't forget your check ups

Dentists recommend check-ups at least twice a year. These check-ups are even more critical when you have implants, because the dentist will use x-rays (and other imaging techniques) to monitor how the implant is fusing with your jawbone. Regular check-ups also ensure that any complications are identified in advance.  

4. Wear your mouth guards

If you're an athlete, you should protect your implant by wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards absorb the impact from direct blows to your mouth, which would otherwise displace your implant and affect nearby teeth.

5. Replace the crown as necessary

A dental implant consists of two main components: a titanium base and a crown. The base is screwed directly into your jawbone and will fuse permanently over time. However, the crown is exposed to normal wear and tear, and it may need to be replaced over the years.

For more information, contact a cosmetic dentistry professional.


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