Moreno Valley Implant Dentist
Dental Implant Care & Maintenance in Moreno Valley
Getting a dental implant is an incredible investment in your health, your confidence, and your overall quality of life. Because they look, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth, it is easy to forget they are there! However, just because your new tooth is made of advanced titanium and porcelain doesn't mean it is entirely maintenance-free.
At Moreno Beach Dental, we want your new smile to last for decades. Dr. Myung Kee Park, FAGD, and our dedicated hygiene team are passionate about educating our patients on the best ways to protect their restorative work. We provide comprehensive implant checkups and specialized professional cleanings to patients throughout Moreno Valley, Riverside, Perris, Beaumont, Redlands, Loma Linda, and Grand Terrace.
If sticky plaque and tartar are allowed to build up around the base of the implant, the surrounding gum tissue will become inflamed and infected. This condition is called peri-implantitis. Much like severe gum disease, if peri-implantitis is left untreated, the infection will eventually eat away at the jawbone holding the implant in place, causing the implant to fail and fall out. The good news? It is entirely preventable with the right care!
Standard metal dental scalers can easily scratch the titanium surface of your implant post, making it a magnet for bacteria. During your visit, our skilled hygienists use specialized, implant-safe instruments to gently remove any hardened tartar without damaging your restoration. Dr. Park will also thoroughly examine your gums and take routine X-rays to ensure the bone surrounding your implant remains dense, healthy, and infection-free.
At Moreno Beach Dental, we want your new smile to last for decades. Dr. Myung Kee Park, FAGD, and our dedicated hygiene team are passionate about educating our patients on the best ways to protect their restorative work. We provide comprehensive implant checkups and specialized professional cleanings to patients throughout Moreno Valley, Riverside, Perris, Beaumont, Redlands, Loma Linda, and Grand Terrace.
Can a Dental Implant Get Infected?
This is one of the most common misconceptions about dental implants. While it is completely true that the artificial materials (the titanium post and the porcelain crown) cannot decay or get a cavity, the living tissues surrounding your implant are still highly vulnerable.If sticky plaque and tartar are allowed to build up around the base of the implant, the surrounding gum tissue will become inflamed and infected. This condition is called peri-implantitis. Much like severe gum disease, if peri-implantitis is left untreated, the infection will eventually eat away at the jawbone holding the implant in place, causing the implant to fail and fall out. The good news? It is entirely preventable with the right care!
Daily At-Home Implant Maintenance
Caring for a dental implant is incredibly similar to caring for your natural teeth, with just a few mindful tweaks to your daily routine:- Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) to gently clean all sides of the implant crown.
- Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Avoid highly abrasive whitening toothpastes or baking soda, as these gritty formulas can scratch the polish on your porcelain crown, causing it to look dull and attract more plaque.
- Floss Daily: You must clean the tight spaces between your implant and your natural teeth. For single implants, standard unwaxed floss works great. For implant-supported bridges, you will need a specialized floss threader to clean underneath the artificial teeth.
- Invest in a Water Flosser: A water flosser (like a Waterpik) is one of the best investments you can make for your implant! The targeted stream of water safely flushes out trapped food and bacteria from deep within the gum pockets where standard floss cannot reach.
The Importance of Professional Checkups
Even with the most meticulous home care, you still need to visit Moreno Beach Dental every six months for a routine checkup and professional cleaning.Standard metal dental scalers can easily scratch the titanium surface of your implant post, making it a magnet for bacteria. During your visit, our skilled hygienists use specialized, implant-safe instruments to gently remove any hardened tartar without damaging your restoration. Dr. Park will also thoroughly examine your gums and take routine X-rays to ensure the bone surrounding your implant remains dense, healthy, and infection-free.
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FAQs
What is peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is a destructive bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue and jawbone surrounding a dental implant. It is the leading cause of implant failure. Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the implant, a bad taste in the mouth, or the implant feeling slightly loose.
Can I use an electric toothbrush on my dental implant?
Yes, absolutely! Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended for patients with dental implants. They are incredibly effective at breaking up plaque along the gumline. Just make sure you are using a soft-bristled brush head and let the vibrations do the work—don't scrub aggressively!
Is it safe to chew ice or hard candies with an implant?
No. While your dental implant is incredibly strong, the porcelain crown attached to it is similar to natural tooth enamel—meaning it can chip or fracture under extreme, concentrated pressure. You should avoid biting down on ice cubes, hard candies, popcorn kernels, or using your teeth to open packages.
What should I do if my implant crown feels loose?
Call us immediately! Do not try to wiggle it, tighten it yourself, or ignore it. Often, a loose feeling simply means the tiny screw holding the porcelain crown to the abutment needs to be professionally retightened by Dr. Park. However, it can also be an early warning sign of bone loss, so we need to examine it right away.
Disclaimer: Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with Dr. Myung Kee Park or our dental team for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions.
