How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants in The Winter Season?
What Are Dental Implants?
They are small, screw-like metal posts that replace lost teeth. The metal posts feature titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates perfectly with natural bone tissue. Dental implants in Worcester, MA are ideal tooth replacement solutions, modernly popular among patients who do not want to get dentures or dental bridges.
How Do Dental Implants Serve Your Oral Health?
The primary role of tooth implants is to replace missing teeth. However, these dental appliances are superior to other tooth replacement restorations because they are permanent. Therefore, they offer a permanent solution to tooth loss.
They work by replacing the roots of teeth, fitting into the space of the lost tooth in the jawbone. The treatment requires an intricate surgical procedure to erect the metal post in your jawbone. Afterward, the dentist in Worcester, MA sutures the gums to hold the implant in place.
Aside from root replacement, dental implants, also restore the crowns. The procedure relies on other dental restorations like dental crowns. A dental crown caps the metal implant in the jawbone, mimicking natural teeth’ look, feel, and function.
Although tooth implants are popular for single-tooth replacements, they can also replace multiple missing teeth in a row. Since it is impractical to get an implant for all your lost teeth, the implantation surgery will only replace a couple of the lost teeth. Afterward, the dentist will affix a partial or complete denture to crown the implants and replace all your lost teeth in a go.
What Happens During and After Treatment?
During your implantation surgery, you may not remember much about your experience. Dentists numb your mouth with local anesthesia, making the procedure pain-free. Further, they employ sedation dentistry to calm your nerves and relax your mind. Usually, the consequence is temporary amnesia that disallows your brain from forming traumatic memories about your implantation surgery.
After your treatment, your mouth will remain numb for a few more hours before wearing out. Meanwhile, you will experience a few symptoms like light bleeding, swelling, bruising and dental pain. These symptoms dissipate after a few days of recovery as you heal. However, the entire healing period can take between 3 and 4 months. the good news is that you have permanent new teeth that can last even for a lifetime.
Caring for Your Dental Implants During Winter
Generally, dentists agree that you should care for your artificial teeth as well as you do your natural ones. However, you cannot underplay the fact that dental implants are not your real teeth. therefore, there will be moments when you have to pay extra attention to your false permanent teeth to ensure they are in perfect condition to keep functioning optimally. Some of the ways you should care for your dental implants during the winter season are:
- Clean your tooth implants twice a day – keeping a clean mouth is paramount for excellent oral health. Brush your teeth at least twice daily to discourage plaque and tartar from damaging them.
- Avoid things that can damage your implants – many non-food items you introduce in your mouth risk damaging your dental implants. Chewing hard non-food items is an excellent example of a habit that can damage your artificial teeth. Other things include biting fingernails, crushing bones, and opening lids and cans with your teeth.
- Get regular teeth check-ups – allowing your dentist to actively participate in your oral health is a stellar way to maintain your dental implants. Routine teeth checkups allow the dentist to catch any anomalies early before they wreak havoc in your oral cavity.
- Stay hydrated – drink a lot of water to keep your mouth moist. Besides, water regulates acidity in the mouth, significantly lowering the risk of oral infections like cavities and gum disease.
- Cater to your gum health – the success of any dental implant procedure long-term is healthy gums and jawbone. Be gentle when handling your gums to avoid mouth sores or infections that can compromise your teeth’ health. While at it, change your teeth brushing technique and the products you use. The goal is to keep your mouth clean while being gentle to your gums and teeth.
- Get routine dental cleanings – they are more comprehensive cleanings than what you can accomplish at home. Professional dental cleanings rid your mouth of bacteria, food residues, plaque, and tartar that can significantly contribute to poor oral health. We recommend visiting a dentist in Worcester, MA at least once every three to six months.
