Dr. Tracey Cook of Coral Bay Family Dentistry in Davis, CA, can help you take the best care of your dental implants. Getting a dental implant can be an involved process, but well worth it. Monitoring and maintaining your dental implant after placement is essential for your overall health and longevity of the implant. Come see us in Downtown Davis, CA, if you are concerned about the health of your implant or want to discuss if a dental implant is right for you.
Restorative implants replace missing teeth and can improve your chewing ability, prevent the drifting of other teeth and aid speech. Crowns on implants can last for years, based on lifestyle choices and commitment to oral hygiene. You may need a repair if your implant crown becomes chipped or broken. If you notice a crack or a chip in a crown, be careful chewing in that area and call your dentist right away. Crowns can often be repaired with composite resin or replaced if a repair is not possible.
Caring for your dental implants is important, and the steps are the same as caring for your natural teeth. Implants are designed to behave like natural teeth, so brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be careful to floss around the implant and get all the food debris removed. Maintaining a healthy diet is also essential for oral and overall health. Try to avoid very hard or very sticky foods as they can damage crowns.
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, this can also damage teeth and crowns over time. Your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect the crowns on your implants. These occlusal guards can also be worn during the day if clenching or grinding is a problem during the waking hours.
Implants are an investment and caring for your implants includes seeing a dentist once every six months for cleanings and exams. Your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar during cleaning to keep your teeth and dental implants healthy and prevent gum disease.
If you have restorative implants or interested in discussing the possibility, Dr. Tracey Cook at Coral Bay Family Dentistry helps you keep your mouth healthy. Visit at least twice a year for cleaning appointments to care for your implants and keeping you smile healthy for life. Contact us in Downtown Davis, CA, at (530) 753-2845.