How to Care for Your Dental Implants in Kirkland, WA

Q: How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last 15 to 30 years or even a lifetime. Durability depends on good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding. The crown on the implant may need replacement every 10 to 15 years due to wear.

Help Your Restorations Last a Lifetime with Dental Implant Treatment Aftercare

Dental implants are a lasting investment, and proper dental implant care is key. Dental implants can last between ten years to a lifetime with proper care. At Dentiste, our top dentist in Kirkland, Dr. Roberts, provides the guidance you need to care for your implant restorations. Call us today at (425) 284-0515 to learn more! We proudly serve individuals seeking dental implant maintenance in Kirkland and neighboring communities such as Redmond, Bellevue, and beyond.

Our Local Kirkland Dentists: The Top Choice for Teeth Replacement

We understand the impact of missing teeth and provide a comprehensive range of teeth replacement options, including dental implant surgery, known for its stability and longevity, and comfortable, natural-looking dentures. Our Kirkland-based practice is conveniently located near neighboring areas such as Redmond, Bellevue, and beyond.

Choosing a local Kirkland dentist for your teeth replacement needs offers convenience, personalized care, and a team that understands the needs of our community. Take the first step towards a complete and confident smile. Call Dentiste today at (425) 284-0515 to schedule your implant consultation with one of our caring Kirkland dentists.

Essential Daily Care After Dental Implant Procedure

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home is the cornerstone of preventing dental implant failure and maintaining good oral health. Dr. Roberts and our team at Dentiste in Kirkland recommend the following daily practices:

Brushing: Brush your dental implants and surrounding gums at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Pay close attention to all surfaces of the implant-supported teeth, including the gum line and the areas where the implant meets the crown. Consider using a low-abrasive gel toothpaste specifically designed for implants.
Flossing: Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles around the implant site. Floss daily around your dental implants using unwaxed floss, implant-specific floss, or an interdental brush. These tools help remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas around the implant and between teeth. Be gentle to avoid damaging the gum tissue.
Water Flosser (Optional but Recommended): A water flosser can be a valuable addition to your home care routine, especially for cleaning around prosthetic teeth. The gentle pulsations of water can effectively remove debris and bacteria from areas that traditional floss might miss.
Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Using an antimicrobial mouthwash once or twice a day can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and further protect your gums and implants. Choose a mouthwash that is alcohol-free to maintain dental implants.

Your Implant Dentistry Partnership with Dentiste: Professional Maintenance in Kirkland

While good oral hygiene is essential, regular professional maintenance at Dentiste in Kirkland with Dr. Roberts is equally crucial for the long-term success of multiple implants:

Regular Dental Visits: Schedule and attend your regular check-up appointments as recommended by Dr. Roberts. These appointments allow us to monitor the health of your implants, gums, and surrounding bone. Dr. Roberts will assess the stability of your implants, check your bite, and address any potential concerns early on. For our Kirkland patients, visiting your dentist regularly is a proactive step in safeguarding your investment.
Professional Implant Cleaning: Our skilled dental hygienists in Kirkland are specifically trained in the proper cleaning of dental implants. They use specialized instruments that won’t scratch or damage the implant surfaces to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup that your regular brushing and flossing might miss. This professional cleaning is vital in preventing peri-implantitis.
Radiographic Examinations: Periodically, Dr. Roberts may recommend X-rays to evaluate the bone level around your dental implants and identify any potential issues that might not be visible during a clinical examination.

Problems That Can Occur Without Dental Implant Maintenance

Implant maintenance problems can occur despite regular care and maintenance. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

Peri-implantitis: This is a type of gum disease that affects the tissue around the implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and redness around the implant. To treat peri-implantitis, your dentist may recommend antibiotics, deep cleaning procedures, or even surgery in severe cases.
Loose Implant: If you feel like your implant is loose or wobbly, it may be due to a loose abutment screw or implant failure. Contact our dentist immediately for an evaluation and treatment options.
Broken Restoration: The crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implant may become loose, crack, or break over time. This can be due to normal wear and tear or physical trauma. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend a repair or replacement.
Gum Recession: Gum recession can occur around the implant, exposing the implant to bacteria and leading to implant failure. Our dentist may recommend gum grafting surgery to address the recession and prevent further damage.

It’s important to seek prompt treatment for any implant maintenance problems to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of your implant. If you’re dealing with problems with your dental implant, contact our dentist in Kirkland by calling (425) 284-0515.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Roberts typically recommends professional dental implant cleanings every three to six months, depending on your individual needs and the health of your gums and implants. Dental patients with implants should see their dentist every three to six months for maintenance.

It’s best to use a non-abrasive toothpaste on your dental implants to avoid scratching the implant surfaces. Patients should avoid abrasive toothpaste to prevent damage to the prosthetics of their implants. Dr. Roberts or our hygienist in Kirkland can recommend suitable options.

Clean your dental implants like natural teeth with twice-daily brushing using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily or use interdental brushes to remove debris around the implant. Avoid hard or sticky foods to maintain implant integrity.

Dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone and rarely fall out if properly placed and cared for. However, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or excessive bite force can cause implant failure, leading to loosening. Smoking or untreated bone loss may also increase risks.

With proper care, dental implants can last 15 to 30 years or even a lifetime. Durability depends on good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding. The crown on the implant may need replacement every 10 to 15 years due to wear.

Protect Your Smile Investment with Daily Dental Implant Care

Your smile is a precious asset, and dental implants are a lasting way to enhance it. Dr. Roberts and the caring team at Dentiste in Kirkland are dedicated to partnering with you in maintaining the health and longevity of your dental implants.

We welcome patients from Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, and beyond. Take the proactive step towards a lifetime of confident smiles. Call us today at (425) 284-0515 to schedule your regular dental health maintenance appointment!