Covid 19 has come as a show stopper to most of our plans. Few people who have thought of getting dental implants have postponed their plans. It is also a fact that the pandemic has upended regular care for their dental implants. Though we now have certain restrictions relaxed there are people who still are not comfortable bringing back their routine. This article aims to address the need to care for your dental implants, whether it is newly fixed or not during this pandemic.

Regular Upkeep and Care for your Dental Implants

Dental implants like natural teeth have to be maintained and cared for through your life. Though the implant per se does not get infected like a natural tooth, the gums surrounding them can get infected. This infection around the implant is termed as peri-implantitis and happens as a result of plaque build-up around the dental implant. If the plaque buildup is not cared for, it may lead to bone loss around the implant which leads to implant failure. Follow the steps as mentioned below to maintain your oral hygiene in case you have dental implants fixed.

• Brush your teeth properly. Follow the brushing techniques as advised by your dentist.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush only and make it a point to brush twice a day.
• Floss around your implant with a non-wax floss only. If you do not find one you can use an interdental brush which is coated with nylon.

Dealing with any Issues with the Dental Implants during the Covid 19 Pandemic

• If you have developed redness in the gum area surrounding the implant, it can be an indication that plaque buildup has happened. Clean the gum area thoroughly using a soft bristle toothbrush. Do not bother about the pain it can cause. It is short-lived only. Use an anti-septic mouthwash for not more than a week. Keep continuing with the home dental care procedures of brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
• If you experience issues like swelling around the implants in the gum, difficulty, uneasiness or pain in the implant area while chewing, feel that the crown or implant screw has loosened, call your dentist who has affixed your implant immediately.
• If for some reasons your dentist is not available due to the pandemic, you can always call us at Expert Dental Care. Dr Sravanthi is available on phone and can also attend to your dental emergencies.

Other General Instructions to care for your Dental Implants

• Avoid eating hard foods like hard nuts
• Avoid eating too much of sweets that can cause easy plaque buildup
• Avoid eating sticky food
• Try to control your smoking habit if you have
• Eat crunchy food like celery, apple, etc, as they can naturally clean your teeth to some extent.