One of the most exciting things that we've seen develop in our dental careers is the incredible way dentists can offer a restored smile to someone who has severely damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. From veneers, to dental implants, to crowns, the sheer number of tools and techniques in a skilled dentist's arsenal can be impressive.
This blog post about getting more "miles" out of your restorations. We're going to share one simple tip with you that will absolutely increase the life and value you get out of any dental restoration: maintain a consistent dental checkup schedule. Here's why:
The Academy of Osseointegration—a professional dental organization that studies and advances the science of implant dentistry—says that teeth that are altered or replaced with restorative dentistry need to be routinely checked by dentists. In many dental restorations, surrounding tissues and bone may be affected, and therefore should be monitored to ensure these structures stay healthy and clean.
Some restorations, such as dental implants, require regular x-ray monitoring to ensure the jaw bone is healthy and strong so the implant is supported. One of the best benefits of a dental implant is that it stimulates the jaw bone when you chew, like a natural tooth. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups can ensure this process, called osseointegration, is going smoothly.
For crowns, your dentist should give you some of the following advice:
- Be careful with extremely sticky foods such as caramel
- Make sure your gums are clean around the crown
- Floss regularly
- Be mindful of your new crown when putting force on it from chewing
He or she should also emphasize the importance of periodic evaluation of the crown to make sure there's no cracks, it's firmly secure, and to check the health of the gums around the crown, which play a big part in keeping it in place. All of this is taken care of with regular dental checkups at least twice a year.
Thanks for Reading!
Dental restorations can be a life-changing alteration for a person, but they are an investment. And like any investment, you should protect it. There's simply no better way to do that than regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist. Now go make that appointment!