12
May
Caring for Your Tooth Restoration
Proper Care Ensures Quality
Many tooth restorations can last for a fairly long time, given they’re well taken care of. After your procedure, your dentist will often give you instructions for cleaning and caring for your restoration. Here are Dr. Alfano’s guidelines for caring for your restoration.
How to Care for Your Restoration
Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is easy. They’re like natural teeth in that they’re not removable, so you can take care of them as if they’re natural teeth.
All you have to do is brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a low-abrasive toothpaste twice a day. Make sure you’re brushing under and around the crown. Then, floss at least once a day with nylon-coated floss.
You can also use interdental brushes to make sure you’re getting all the food and debris out from around your implant.
Dentures
Dentures are fully removable, so you can take them out completely to clean them. We recommend removing and rinsing your dentures after you eat to ensure food doesn’t get stuck in them. Simply run water over them to give them a quick wash.
Cleaning your mouth after you remove your dentures is also a good practice. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush on any natural teeth and gauze to clean your tongue, cheeks, and other soft tissues. Any remaining denture adhesive should be cleaned away.
To clean your dentures, brush them at least once a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive denture cleanser. After, soak your dentures overnight in water or a mild denture solution.
Make sure you don’t get any denture cleansers in your mouth because they can cause adverse reactions. Always rinse your dentures off before putting them in.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns don’t usually require specialized care — just keep up with good oral hygiene practices. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and use antibacterial mouthwash at home.
Try to pay extra care to the area around your crown, as it can be easier for food to get lodged around it.
Dental Bridges
One of the most common issues associated with dental bridges is tooth decay underneath the crowns. In addition to brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash, pay special attention to the area around your crowns.
See Your Dentist for Cleanings
In all cases, make sure you see your dentist for regular cleanings and examinations to help your restoration remain strong and beautiful. Though you may take impeccable care of your restoration, even the best of us can miss spots sometimes.
Our staff will ensure your restoration remains clean and beautiful so your smile will remain healthy. To learn more, contact our office by calling (949) 673-7820 or by filling out our online contact form.