Dr. Christopher Pescatore
Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry
Creating Beautiful Smiles
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Essential Tips for Caring for Your Dental Implants

In Oral Surgery December 20, 2023

Dental implants have revolutionized the field of dentistry, offering a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. While dental implants are known for their durability and natural appearance, proper care is crucial to ensure their success and longevity. Here are some essential tips for caring for your dental implants so you can maintain a healthy and radiant smile.

Commit to Impeccable Oral Hygiene

Maintaining great oral hygiene is paramount when it comes to caring for dental implants. Just like natural teeth, implants are susceptible to plaque and bacteria. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps prevent the buildup of plaque. Additionally, regular flossing or using interdental brushes is essential to clean between the implant and the adjacent teeth, where food particles and plaque can accumulate.

Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the health of your dental implants and addressing any potential issues promptly. Your dentist will assess the condition of the implants, check for signs of inflammation or infection, and ensure that the surrounding tissues and bone are in good health. Routine dental visits also provide an opportunity to receive professional cleanings, further enhancing the longevity of your dental implants.

Say No to Tobacco

Tobacco use poses significant risks to oral health, and this holds true for dental implants as well. Smoking or using tobacco products can increase the likelihood of implant failure and complications. Tobacco use is associated with delayed healing, reduced bone integration, and an increased risk of infections. If you have dental implants, quitting tobacco is not only beneficial for your overall health but also crucial for the success of your implant restoration.

Be Mindful of Dietary Choices

While dental implants are durable, it’s essential to be mindful of dietary choices to prevent unnecessary stress on the implants and surrounding structures. Avoid biting into excessively hard or sticky foods that can place strain on the implant-supported crown or bridge. It’s best to focus on a balanced diet rich in nutrients that promote overall oral health and support the longevity of your dental implants.

Protect Against Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can pose a threat to dental implants. Grinding your teeth places undue stress on the implant-supported restoration and can lead to damage over time. If you have a tendency to grind your teeth, discuss this with your dentist. They may recommend a custom nightguard to protect your dental implants while you sleep.

Respond Promptly to Any Issues

If you notice any changes or issues related to your dental implants, it’s crucial to respond promptly. Signs of concern may include pain, swelling, bleeding, or changes in the fit of your implant-supported restoration. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an evaluation. Timely intervention can address potential problems and prevent complications that could jeopardize the success of your dental implants.

Improving the Longevity of Your Dental Implants

Caring for dental implants is a commitment to your overall oral health. As you embark on the journey of dental implant care, remember that your commitment plays a pivotal role in the success of your smile transformation. By prioritizing impeccable oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups, and making healthy diet and lifestyle choices, you can nurture your dental implants and support their longevity. Embrace these tips, collaborate with your dental team, and enjoy the benefits of a radiant and resilient smile.

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Dr. Pescastore,

I just had to take a minute to let you know how much me and my family appreciate everything you have done for us. When we met in 2001 I was honestly anxious about the work I needed to have done. I was nervous about the results and also about the potential pain it might take to achieve the smile I wanted. You were so thorough in your evaluation of my extensive dental history and so clear in your explanation of the procedures required that I felt confident to take your recommendations and trust my smile to you. I have never regretted that decision. I am so grateful for the way you and your wonderful staff made every appointment as easy and comfortable as it could possibly have been. I was always happy to be going there knowing I would be treated so well and love the results. I still feel the same way, and look forward to my appointments with you and your caring staff. I really enjoy the spa like feeling and always leave there more relaxed than when I arrived. My friends are always surprised to learn that I look forward to my dentist appointments as they are lamenting about theirs.

I am especially grateful for the way you have treated my daughters. They too had many dentists before you and were nervous about going to the dentist. Thanks to you and Stacey and the rest of your wonderful staff they now share my feeling about going to the dentist and are happy to be there. Brooke is so afraid of needles that even at seventeen years old she still cries if she thinks she might get a shot at the doctors office. She was very nervous before her first appointment with you, in spite of mine and her sisters assurance that it really wouldn't hurt. Thank you for proving us right. Now even Brooke is not afraid to go to the dentist. I also want you to know how grateful I am for the emergency care you gave Sadie when she chipped her front tooth. I really appreciate you changing your own plans for the day to help her. She was so upset about the way her tooth looked that she cried all the way to your office. She, like me, left your office that day feeling great about herself and her smile. You have really made a positive difference in our lives and we are all so grateful to you for it. We all look forward to seeing you and your great team for our future dental needs.

With Great Respect and Many Thanks,

Pennie Gaddis

I look back at old photographs and realize I spent years hiding teeth. I had braces in my 30s and made the mistake of having my orthodontist apply veneers to my discolored, misshapen teeth. I was his first veneers patient, and I learned that when you're having cosmetic dentistry done, you should have a cosmetic dentist do it. When I decided to have those veneers replaced, I found an expert Dr. Pescatore. In fact, it was just a few weeks before my wedding that I asked Dr. Pescatore to do my smile makeover. I trusted him completely and knew from my first appointment that I was in good hands. He impressed me with his concern that my veneers look natural, and they do. My smile is huge in my wedding pictures, not only because I had a new husband but also because I had fabulous new teeth! I'm grateful to Dr. Pescatore and his caring, attentive staff for what they did for me. I finally have the smile I'd always wanted.

Evelyn Dalton

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