As dental implants are becoming increasingly popular, our Orland Park dentists are fielding more and more questions about dental implants from interested patients. Today we’re answering some questions about what it’s like to live with dental implants after they’re placed—we hope you find this question and answer session helpful!
Q: Once I have dental implants, can I eat and drink whatever I want?
A: For the most part, the answer to this question is yes! Dental implants are designed to be durable enough to withstand all normal dental activities. There is one rule of thumb to keep in mind, however—if it’s bad for your natural teeth, it’s bad for your dental implants too. So chewing ice and hard candies can still damage your dental implants, for example.
Q: How long do dental implants last?
A: With proper care dental implants can last for over a decade before they need to be replaced! If you suffer a dental injury and one of your dental implants breaks, our dental team can replace it quickly.
Q: Should I brush and floss my dental implants.
A: Yes, this is very important! Remember that your dental implants are in contact with your natural teeth and your oral tissues. Keep your dental implants clean so that they do not become bacteria breeding grounds in your mouth.
Q: Can I whiten my dental implants?
A: Dental implants are not responsive to conventional whitening formulas. If you’re interested in whitening your smile, have your teeth whitened before your implants are placed. That way your dental implants can be shaded to match your post-whitening teeth.
As always you can contact our Tinley Park dental implant dentists to learn more about this exciting treatment option. And remember, we’ll be able to give your more specific information about your treatment process when you schedule a consultation!