Caring for Dental Implants
Medford, OR
 At Rogue Valley Dental Center we provide dental implants as an option to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are the latest option available and are one of the most popular. Small, titanium rods are inserted into your jawbone, which fuse to the implants as you heal. This turns the implants into “roots'' that support your replacement teeth. Implants can replace any number of missing teeth, and offer numerous benefits. One of the major benefits of dental implants is that they are permanent, and prevent the bone loss associated with tooth loss. They also require significantly less care than traditional dentures. While they might not need as much, they still need to be cared for and cleaned.
Why is Cleaning Dental Implants So Important?
Your teeth may be made of ceramic, but that doesn’t mean that they can be neglected. Caring for your dental implants is essential for your oral health and the stability of the implants themselves. They should be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth. While ceramic cannot decay and get cavities, it can still collect plaque, which is a sticky substance that builds up naturally on the surfaces of your teeth throughout the day. Plaque is easily removed with regular brushing. If you don’t brush daily, however, plaque can harden into tartar, and tartar cannot be removed with your toothbrush.
Plaque collects oral bacteria as well. Both plaque and bacteria irritate your gum tissue. When your gum tissue is irritated, your body sends an inflammatory response, and your gums swell. This is the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis. Untreated, the bacteria will travel below your gum line. Your gums recede, and your jawbone grows weak. Your dental implants become compromised and can fail.
Care of Your Implants at Home
Cleaning your dental implants is no different than how you would clean your natural teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush at least twice a day and that you floss once a day. These guidelines apply to your dental implants. When you brush, you should be brushing for two full minutes every time. Flossing should be done carefully. Do not force the floss, or snap it against your gum tissue. This can irritate your gums, or even cause bleeding, which can invite bacteria in. Mouthwash can also be helpful in dislodging small particles from between your teeth, and any other small crevices in your mouth, and giving you clean, fresh breath.
Along with your home oral hygiene routine, regular dental visits are a must, even if all of your teeth have been replaced by dental implants. We recommend dental cleanings and exams twice a year (every six months). During these visits, we will clean your teeth, both natural and ceramic. We will check your natural teeth for signs of decay. Natural and artificial teeth will be inspected for damage. Moreover, we will check your gums for signs of gum disease. If we spot anything wrong, we can take action right away, preventing the issue from worsening, and ensuring the health of your mouth.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Cleaning, and caring for, your dental implants is essential for their success and the health of your mouth. For more information, or if you are interested in getting dental implants, call Rogue Valley Dental Center today at (541) 779-4517.
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Rogue Valley Dental Center 
