Whether you are thinking about or have already gotten dental implants, you may have a certain idea in your mind about how you will need to take care of them. If so, below are some truths about a couple of misconceptions you may have about your implants.
1. Your Implants Will Make Your Teeth Immune to Dental Issues
One misconception you may have about dental implants is that they will make your teeth immune to cavities and tooth decay. Since your implants are not natural teeth, you may feel that you no longer need to get regular cleanings at the dentist.
However, even if your entire mouth has dental implants, you still need to perform regular oral care and make appointments to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Bacteria will still grow in your mouth, settling on your gums, in between your teeth, and even up underneath the implants.
If you do not properly take care of your teeth at home and with regular professional cleanings, you are still at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. For the most thorough cleaning, use an electric toothbrush, and use foam-coated flossers between your teeth.
2. You Will Never Be Able to Eat the Foods You Love Ever Again
Another misconception that you may have about getting implants is that some of your favorite foods will be prohibited once you have them. You may think that you will never be able to enjoy pizza crust and hard or chewy candies.
This particular misconception is only partially true. When you first receive your dental implants, you will need to avoid some foods while your gums are healing around the implant posts. If you were to eat chewy bread or sticky, hard candy, you could dislodge the post, making it necessary to have them reinserted.
However, as the gum tissue heals, you should be able to eat most of your favorite foods without worrying about what they may do to your teeth. However, you will still need to be careful with hard candies, as biting down hard on them instead of sucking them could crack the surface.
When you have implants, you will still need to have regular dental cleanings, and you should still be able to enjoy the foods you enjoy after your gums have finished healing. If you have any further questions about caring for the new teeth, speak with the dentist who performs dental implant surgery for personalized tips and advice.