Dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth replacement. However, that doesn’t mean that you can start neglecting your oral health after you get them. You need to brush and floss regularly, and follow all of your dentist’s other instructions to keep your teeth, implants, and oral health in great condition.
Regular visits to the New Horizon Institute are part of your implant care routine. Preventive care is important for your oral health, especially after you get your implants. Why? Read on, and get all the details in this blog from the New Horizon Institute.
How Often Do I Need To Have My Implants Checked By A Dentist?
After you have completed your entire treatment plan to include the surgery portion and the restorative portion, you will be in what we like to call “maintenance”. In maintenance, you should be seen every 6 months to get your cleaning by our hygienist. The doctor will perform a periodic evaluation to check for potential signs or oral health problems like gum disease, or cavities in your natural teeth.
Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important If I Have Dental Implants?
Here are just a few of the many benefits of seeing the team at New Horizon Institute for routine teeth cleanings and oral exams:
- Keep an eye on your teeth and gums – If you've got just one or two implants, you’ll still need routine cleanings for your other teeth and for your gums. Six-month visits let your dentist check for signs of gum disease and tooth decay. With regular visits and good at-home oral hygiene, you can avoid these conditions and keep your teeth healthy. That means you won’t need any more implants in the future.
- Check your implants and restorations – Dental implants can easily last a very long time. However, the soft tissue can become infected (peri-implantitis) without proper care, which could compromise the bone around your dental implant. In addition, restorations like dental crowns may eventually wear out. If your dentist notices your restoration is worn, they may recommend that you replace it to keep your smile looking its best.
- Maximize the lifespan of your investment – Dental implants aren’t cheap. And though we offer free implants for qualifying patients, it’s still important to care for your investment. Regular dental visits are part of this, and help maximize the lifespan of your implants.
- Oral cancer screenings – Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and gum disease also increases your risk of oral cancer. If you’ve lost one or more teeth because of gum disease and had them replaced with dental implants, you may have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. We perform oral cancer screenings as part of your routine appointment, which means you can get peace of mind after your appointment.
Interested In Dental Implants? Need Implant Maintenance? Contact Us Today!
Whether you want to replace a missing tooth in Gilbert, or you’re overdue for implant maintenance, we’re here to help. Contact us online or call our office at (480) 664-2270 to schedule a consultation, and take control of your dental health today.