How To Care for Your Dental Implants

How To Care for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants offered by your Melrose Park and Elk Grove Village, IL, dentist, Dr. Scott Szatkowski, fill the gaps in your smile, improving your appearance and your chewing ability. Just like natural teeth, implants require regular care. You can keep your dental implants healthy by following these recommendations:

Make brushing a priority

Daily brushing remove plaque, a sticky, transparent bacterial film that coats your teeth and gums. If you don't brush and floss thoroughly, the bacteria in plaque could cause an infection called peri-implantitis. The infection can loosen dental implants and damage the bone that supports your implant.

Fortunately, it's easy to avoid peri-implantitis by brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. When you brush, use a soft-bristle brush and a low-abrasive toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Don't forget to floss

Flossing removes plaque in the area between your dental crown, gum, and abutment. (The abutment is the connector between the implant and crown.) Floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water flossers may make it easier to floss in this area.

Don't smoke

It's not a good idea to begin smoking if you have dental implants, particularly if you've just received the implants. Smoking slows healing and can reduce the risk of implant failure. It can also be an issue long after your implants heal. Healthy gum tissue is essential for strong implants. Unfortunately, smoking increases your risk of gum disease.

Use a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night

Grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep may eventually loosen or break your crowns, abutments, or dental implants. Your dentist can provide you with a custom nightguard that will protect your implants and teeth from the effects of grinding. Nightguards fit over your upper or lower teeth and absorb strong forces produced by grinding and clenching.

Schedule regular dental checkups

During your checkups to the Melrose Park or Elk Grove Village dental offices, your dentist will examine your dental implants in addition to your teeth and gums. If there are any issues with your implants, he can make adjustments or offer treatments that will help you keep your implants healthy.

Protect your dental implants with good oral care and regular dental visits! Make an appointment with your dentist in Melrose Park and Elk Grove Village, IL, Dr. Scott Szatkowski, by calling (847) 437-8366 for the Elk Grove Village office or (708) 450-4533 for the Melrose Park office.


Contact Us

Elk Grove Village Office
901 Biesterfield Road
Suite 104
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(Woodland Square @ Corner of Biesterfeld & Beisner Rd.s)

(847) 437-8366


Melrose Park Office
675 W. North Ave. Ste 307
Melrose Park, IL 60160
(Gottlieb Profession Bldg.)

(708) 450-4533


Dr. Szatkowski's hours:

Elk Grove Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wednesday, Thursday:

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Saturday:

7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Melrose Park Office Hours

Monday, Wednesday - Friday, Sunday:

Closed

Tuesday:

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am - 1:30 pm

Please be sure to schedule your hygeine visit when I'm present, so I may say hello and examine you myself.