Attention to detail works both ways. Let me explain.

Precision craftsmanship often defines your purchase decisions. You look for attention to detail in how something is made. And once you make an investment you give equal attention to detail in how you care for it (assuming you understand its value).

Dental implants fit the category of precision craftsmanship. Each detail is uniquely designed to fill the gap created by your missing tooth.

Your dental implant is a premium product.  And your investment requires detailed care to assure it lasts and functions effectively.

How to Protect Your Dental Implant Investment

1-Eat cautiously

A dental implant is strong. But everyday eating habits can cause unnecessary damage.

Bite cautiously into solid food selections – especially those containing bones. And avoid using your teeth to open packages.

2-Cool-it with extra hot drinks

Remember what you learned in science class. Metal conducts heat.

Your dental implant contains metal. Drinking a hot beverage will quickly remind you of this.

Tip: if the cup or beverage is “hot” to the touch – allow it to cool a bit before drinking.

3-Wait to have your ice-cream

What you tell your children or grandchildren applies here. Let your meal settle before you eat dessert – especially following a hot item with a cold one.

The crown (top/visible) portion of your dental implant is crafted of porcelain. It expands – like glass does – with heat and contracts with cold.

Eat or drink something hot but be sure to pause before chasing it with something cold. And vice-versa.

Monitor your tooth sensitivity following dental implant treatment. Reactions to food and drink temps may vary.

4-Watch the vibrations

Your dental implant is complex. It contains a crown (the visible, top portion), a screw (what attaches to the crown and upper post/abutment), the post (secures the implant top to bottom).

Vibrations from a vibrating toothbrush can loosen your implant’s internal screw. This can cause your crown to become loose.

Brush effectively. And avoid a vibrating tooth brush as an option.

5-Watch your floss

Understand that your dental implant is not a tooth. Teeth connect to gums by strong ligaments.

Flossing is good for your teeth because it cleans the pockets of the gums surrounding them. The ligaments are sensitive and warn you when you’re flossing too aggressively.

Your dental implant lacks this natural supportive ligament. An implant is supported by a seal and lacks adequate nerves.

Aggressive flossing can break this seal. Bacteria can invade the pocket and penetrate the bone.

Bone damage can then occur around your dental implant. And the loss of bone can cause the loss of your implant.

Use a Water-Pick or similar device to clean around your implant. A water stream can effectively clean the pockets surrounding it.

6-Communicate with your dental hygienist

Your hygienist should be aware of which teeth are dental implants. Confirm your implant treatment history prior to a teeth cleaning.

The dental hygienist will use different instruments to clean around your implant. This helps prevent damage to your implant and surrounding tissue.

7-Stay current with dental check-ups

Have your dental implants checked at least once per year. And stay current with your teeth cleanings and exams every six months.

Attention to detail will preserve your dental implant. Consider it an investment of your time that assures you’re protecting your oral health in the process.

Question: What maintenance issues cause you concern with dental implant treatment? Any changes you’ll need to make? Comment.