7 Tips for Caring for Titanium Dental Implants and Their Connecting Abutments

Implants have been heralded as the gold standard for replacing lost teeth, and with good reason! Upon completing your treatment, you’ll have a gorgeous, functional, secure smile to show! Keeping that smile healthy will enable you to enjoy the benefits of implant treatment for years to come. Fortunately, caring for implants isn’t difficult, as it’s no different from caring for natural teeth.

Dr. Colby Eckland from Redmond Smiles in Everett, Washington, shares the following tips for caring for titanium implants and their connecting abutments:

1. Brush Well Twice Daily  

Brush your implants diligently at least twice daily to remove plaque that gathers after eating. Use a soft nylon bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching your new teeth. Daily brushing will keep your implants looking and functioning their best long-term.

2. Floss Daily  

Dental implants are impervious to decay, but plaque around the gumline can lead to infected gum tissues. Brushing and flossing minimize plaque buildup to keep your gums strong and healthy. Flossing removes food and debris stuck close to your gumline or between teeth. You may also find interdental brushes or a Waterpik helpful in keeping your gums and teeth clean.

3. Use an Antimicrobial Rinse

Consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse to kill germs around your teeth, control plaque buildup, and reduce your risk of gum disease.

4. Avoid Hard, Sticky, and Sugary Foods

After tooth loss, implants restore your chewing power so you can enjoy all your favorite foods again. Still, some foods should be avoided as they’re not good for your teeth. Hard candies, taffy, licorice, caramels, lollipops, and popcorn kernels fall into that category. It’s also important to stop bad habits like chewing on non-food items and using your teeth as tools.

5. Treat Bruxism    

If you grind your teeth at night, wear a night guard to protect your abutments and implant crowns. A night guard keeps your teeth from clenching and grinding involuntarily. Incessant teeth grinding will not only take a toll on your teeth but can also lead to jaw tension and pain, headaches, and other TMJ issues. Dr. Eckland can customize a night guard for your use.

6. Quit Smoking

Smoking is always discouraged during the osseointegration process of implants, as it can impair your healing. However, it can also put the long-term success of your implant treatment at risk. By quitting this habit altogether, you can look forward to better oral and general health. 

7. Keep Up with Routine Dental Visits

Ensure you see Dr. Eckland and our team every six months for checkups and dental cleanings. Regular checkups allow us to detect and treat problems early to protect your new teeth. Routine cleanings will keep your new implants strong, healthy, and bright year after year.  

Quality Implant Care Near Me

Need help caring for implant teeth? We’ve got you covered at Redmond Smiles in Everett, WA. Contact Dr. Colby Eckland at (425) 584-1192 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Share this Article