Dental implants are a great choice for replacing missing teeth since they're very durable. They consist of a dental crown attached to a post that's placed in your jawbone. The post fuses with your natural bone, keeping the implant safely in place inside your mouth. Caring for a dental implant is easy as well, making them a convenient way to replace a missing tooth. To learn how to care for your dental implant after having one placed, read on.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly 

Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps protect your dental implant. Regular brushing and flossing reduce the chance that you'll develop an infection in your gums. If left untreated, gum disease can spread into your jawbone where the implant's post is located, and attack the bone it's attached to. This weakens the bone and makes the implant more likely to come loose.

Visit Your Dentist if You Have an Infection in Your Gums

Since gum disease can cause an implant to fall out, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you notice signs of an infection in your gums. If your gums are bleeding or they look red and inflamed, schedule an appointment with a dentist so that the infection can be treated with antibiotics. Treating an infection early will reduce the risk that it spreads to your jawbone, keeping your implant safe.

Wear a Night Guard if You Grind or Clench Your Teeth at Night

Bruxism is a condition where you involuntarily grind and clench your teeth during the night. This can cause severe damage to your natural teeth by wearing away the enamel, and it can even damage a dental implant. The force from clenching your jaw can cause microscopic stress fractures in the implant's post. This makes it more susceptible to fracturing, which will cause your dental implant to fall out.

If you have bruxism, schedule an appointment with your dentist and ask for a custom-made night guard to wear when you sleep. A night guard acts like a cushion for your teeth, preventing your natural teeth and your dental implant from being damaged when you clench or grind your teeth during the night.

Overall, caring for your dental implant is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is the most effective way to protect your dental implant since it reduces your risk of gum disease. You should also visit your dentist's office regularly for cleanings. Aside from maintaining good oral hygiene, you should also make sure to get a night guard from your dentist if you have bruxism in order to protect your dental implant while you sleep.

Speak to your dentist to learn more tips.