Dental Implant in Newcastle: Top 5 Reasons to See a Hygienist for Post-Implant Care
Embarking on the journey of getting a dental implant in Newcastle at The Dental Care Clinic is a significant step towards reclaiming your smile and confidence. Dental implants are known for their durability, natural appearance, and functionality, but their success heavily relies on postoperative care. Here’s an in-depth exploration of why seeing a dental hygienist after your implant procedure is not just beneficial but essential:
1. Maintenance of Oral Health
Dental implants, while durable, are not immune to oral health issues. The primary concern is peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease but around the implant. Without proper care, bacteria can accumulate, leading to inflammation, bone loss, and ultimately, implant failure. A dental hygienist can provide professional cleanings that go beyond what you can achieve at home, removing plaque and tartar from around the implant and adjacent natural teeth. We emphasise the importance of regular hygiene visits to maintain the health of your dental implant.
2. Monitoring for Issues
Post-implant care involves vigilant monitoring for any signs of trouble. Issues like implant loosening, bone loss, or improper healing can occur silently. A hygienist, with their specialised training, can detect these complications early through visual examinations, probing, and sometimes x-rays. Early intervention can mean the difference between a minor treatment and needing to replace the implant altogether. Our hygienists are trained to look for subtle changes that could indicate problems, ensuring your implant’s long-term success.
3. Customised Oral Hygiene Plan
The uniqueness of each patient’s oral anatomy, combined with the specifics of their dental implants, necessitates a personalised hygiene plan. Factors like the type of implant (single, multiple, or full mouth), your oral health history, and lifestyle habits all play a role. A hygienist can recommend specific tools like interdental brushes, water flossers, or even oral irrigators tailored to your implants’ design. They’ll also advise on techniques to avoid damaging the implants or causing undue stress on the jawbone. This bespoke advice from us ensures you’re equipped to care for your dental implant effectively.
4. Professional Cleaning Techniques
While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, they often fall short around implants. Hygienists use advanced tools like ultrasonic scalers, air polishing devices, and fine-tipped instruments to clean areas that are hard to reach at home. These tools are designed to be gentle on implants while effectively removing biofilm and calculus. Professional cleanings also include polishing, which not only keeps your implants looking natural but also helps in preventing stains and further plaque adhesion.
5. Preventative Care Education
Education is a cornerstone of dental hygiene. Understanding how to care for your implants is as critical as the care itself. Hygienists provide in-depth education on daily care routines, signs of infection or implant rejection, and when to seek professional help. They address lifestyle factors impacting implant health, such as diet, tobacco use, and oral habits. We take the time to educate our patients on maintaining their implants, ensuring you’re not just a patient but a partner in your dental health journey.
Expert Advice
Professor Helen Worthington, a renowned expert at the University of Manchester, is highly regarded for her contributions to dental research, particularly in evidence-based dentistry. Dental implants, a transformative solution for replacing missing teeth, are a significant focus of her work. These implants involve the surgical placement of titanium posts into the jawbone, which act as artificial tooth roots to support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Professor Worthington’s research emphasises the long-term success and biocompatibility of dental implants, exploring factors such as material advancements, implant longevity, and patient satisfaction. She underscores the importance of professional post-implant care in ensuring these outcomes, advocating for a holistic approach to dental health that includes regular hygienist visits.
Real Patient Experience
Our commitment to compassionate care is echoed by our patients’ experiences. shared,
“Santwana and Janice always make you feel comfortable, even when getting your teeth pulled out.” Riley Richards.
This level of care and attention extends to all our services, ensuring that your experience with dental implants at The Dental Care Clinic is both successful and comforting.
Conclusion
Choosing to get a dental implant is a commitment to your oral health and aesthetic appeal. However, the journey doesn’t end at placement; it’s the ongoing care that ensures your implants serve you for decades. By maintaining regular appointments with a dental hygienist, you’re not just preserving your investment but enhancing your oral health comprehensively. From specialised cleanings to educational guidance, the hygienists at The Dental Care Clinic play a pivotal role in your dental care regime.
If you’re contemplating or have already embarked on the path of dental implants, contact us for dental implants in Newcastle.