Dental Implant Care Tips from Our Oral Surgeon Near You
At Maring Surgical, Seattle’s premier destination for exceptional dental implant treatment, our dental practice combines the expertise of board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Thomas Maring and renowned periodontist Dr. Susan Maring to deliver unparalleled oral surgery and implant care. Whether you’re a lifelong Seattle resident, a professional in the bustling downtown area, or a resident of nearby Bellevue, Medina, Mercer Island, or Kirkland, we’re here to help you maintain your dental implants for a lifetime of confident smiles.
Are you looking for a replacement option for missing teeth? Trust our oral surgeon in Seattle to help. Contact our dental office near you today by calling 206-343-7500 to schedule your appointment.
Patients Trust Maring Surgical
At Maring Surgical, we’re proud to be Seattle’s trusted choice for dental implants, delivering exceptional care that transforms smiles and lives. Nestled in the heart of downtown Seattle, our dental practice is easily accessible to residents of Capitol Hill, Belltown, West Seattle, and beyond, offering flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle.
We utilize state-of-the-art technology, including Cone Beam CT imaging and guided implant surgery, to ensure precise, comfortable procedures with outstanding results. Every patient receives personalized care, from thorough consultations to tailored treatment plans, ensuring your comfort and confidence at every step.
- “Great experience – was in and out in no time. Dr. Maring was straightforward and kept everything simple. Grateful to have been taken care of by this team!” – Brendan Z.
- “Excellent staff and surgeon. I had my wisdom teeth extracted here and despite the complications with my teeth, Dr. Maring did an amazing job with the extraction. When I had questions on the Saturday after my surgery, Dr. Maring quickly called me back with answers and I was able to heal up without complications.” – Aisha E.
Are you ready to get started with dental implants that can look just like your natural teeth? Contact our oral surgeon near you at 206-343-7500.
How to Care for Your Dental Implants: A Guide for Seattle Area Patients
Brush Twice Daily with the Right Tools
Brushing your dental implants twice a day is critical to removing plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the implant surface or irritating your gums. Electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads are highly effective for thorough cleaning.
- Pro Tip: Opt for a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the implant’s surface. Avoid whitening toothpastes with harsh ingredients that could damage the restoration.
Floss Daily to Prevent Plaque Buildup
Flossing is essential for cleaning areas around the implant that a toothbrush can’t reach, such as under the gumline. Use dental floss with a gentle technique or a water flosser for gentle yet effective cleaning.
- Why It Matters: Plaque buildup around implants can lead to peri-implant mucositis, a reversible condition that, if untreated, may progress to peri-implantitis.
- Pro Tip: Ask our dental team to demonstrate proper flossing techniques for implants during your next visit.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce bacteria and maintain gum health.
Consider Interdental Brushes for Hard-to-Reach Areas
Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to clean between teeth and implants. They’re especially useful for patients with wider gaps or fixed implant bridges.
- How to Use: Gently insert the brush between the implant and adjacent teeth, moving it back and forth to remove debris.
- Pro Tip: Choose the right size brush to avoid applying excessive pressure.
Routine Visits to Your Seattle Dental Office
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining excellent oral health and keeping your dental implants in pristine condition. Your general dentist will examine your implants to check for any signs of wear or damage and clean and polish them to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
What Can Happen If I Don’t Maintain Dental Implants?
When you don’t take care of your dental implants, you can put yourself at a higher risk for the following:
- Peri-implantitis: This is a type of gum disease that affects the tissue around the implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and redness around the implant site. To treat peri-implantitis, our Seattle periodontist may recommend antibiotics, deep cleaning procedures, or even surgery in severe cases.
- Loose implant: If you feel like your implant is loose or wobbly, it may be due to a loose abutment screw or dental implant failure. Contact our oral surgeon immediately for an evaluation and treatment options.
- Broken restoration: The crown, bridge, or denture that’s attached to the implant may become loose, crack, or break over time. This can be due to normal wear and tear or physical trauma. Depending on the extent of the damage, our dentist may recommend a repair or replacement.
- Gum recession: Gum recession can occur around the implant, exposing the implant to bacteria and leading to implant failure. Dr. Maring may recommend gum grafting surgery to address the recession and prevent further damage.
Do you think dental implants in Seattle are the best for your oral health needs? Contact our downtown Seattle dental office today at 206-343-750 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best aftercare for dental implants involves a combination of diligent home care and professional maintenance:
- Proper Oral Hygiene Practices: Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily using a floss threader or interdental brush to clean around the implant. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
- Post-Surgery Care: Follow our oral surgeon’s instructions, perform salt water rinses, and stick to a soft diet for the first few days. Avoid smoking and strenuous activity to promote healing.
- Regular Checkups: Schedule biannual visits to Maring Surgical for cleanings and evaluations to monitor implant health.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid hard foods, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy diet to support gum health.
Healing time after a dental implant procedure typically looks like this:
- Initial Healing (Soft Tissue): The gums typically heal within 7 to 14 days post-surgery, provided you follow aftercare instructions like salt water rinses and a soft diet.
- Osseointegration (Bone Fusion): The implant fuses with the jawbone over 3 to 6 months, creating a stable foundation. Complex cases, like those requiring bone grafting, may take longer.
- Full Recovery: Once the final crown or restoration is placed (after osseointegration), you can resume normal activities, with full functionality achieved within 6 to 12 months of the initial surgery.
Yes, water flossers are an excellent tool for cleaning around implants, especially for hard-to-reach areas. Use a low-pressure setting to avoid irritating gums.
Follow Dr Maring’s instructions, but gentle cleaning with a soft toothbrush and water may begin within 24 to 48 hours. Avoid vigorous brushing near the surgical site until healing is complete. Avoid flossing directly around the surgical site for the first week. Patients may begin regularly flossing around seven to 10 days after implant surgery, but continue to be gentle to avoid irritating or damaging sensitive gum tissue around the implant site.
