Maintaining dental implants requires three things: maintaining oral hygiene, paying attention to eating habits, and attending scheduled checkups.
First, clean your mouth thoroughly every day. Rinse your mouth immediately after eating to remove food debris from between your teeth. Brush your teeth using the Bass brushing technique in the morning and before bed at night, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Like natural teeth, dental implants accumulate plaque; neglecting to clean them can easily lead to peri-implantitis.
Second, avoid eating hard or sticky foods. Don't use your implants to bite walnuts, open bottle caps, or chew sticky foods like chewing gum. Although dental implants are very strong, improper use over a long period can lead to loosening or chipping of the crown. When you first start eating with implants, begin with soft foods and gradually adapt.
Finally, always attend your scheduled checkups. Checkups are usually scheduled at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure, and at least once a year thereafter. During follow-up appointments, X-rays will be taken to check the condition of the bone around the implant, as well as the bite force and gum condition. If wear or loose screws are found on the implant, timely implant maintenance treatment is necessary.
