What Happens if Food Gets Stuck Under My Dental Implants?

Daily home care is important for the long-term health of your dental implants. No matter how much you floss, some patients still report small bits of food stuck between their dental implants. This can be uncomfortable and cause future unwanted problems, like gum disease.

If you have trouble with your dental implants, do not hesitate to call the specialists at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albany or Latham, NY. We can offer advice and assistance to keep your dental implants looking and feeling great. Below, our team shares a few tips for dealing with this common issue.

Will dental implants affect how I eat?

Men and women with dental implants may be concerned about what they can eat. The good news is that there are no restrictions or limitations. Dental implants work just like natural teeth and can chew all kinds of foods without issue. This includes challenging meals, such as steak, corn on the cob, and raw vegetables. Of course, we advise that patients do not bite down on hard objects or use their teeth as tools. It is easy to damage the implants when they are not used properly.

What if food gets stuck under my implants?

Dental implants are made of a biocompatible metal that fuses with the jawbone. A restoration is placed on top of the implant, creating the appearance of a natural tooth while keeping a tight seal with your gums. Because dental implants are sealed in place along the gumline, it is difficult for any food to get stuck underneath them. However, it is not impossible if the implant was placed incorrectly. If you believe something is wrong with your implant, call Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for an assessment right away.

Using tools like an oral irrigator

One of our oral surgeons in Albany or Latham, NY can show you how to clean and care for your new implants once they have been placed. Brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to preserve your oral health and get food out from between your teeth. Some patients like to keep an oral irrigator tool at home for more stubborn debris.

Other names for oral irrigators include the Waterpik and water flosser. It works by directing a stream of high-pressure water in between teeth and below the gumline. These tools are available in most drugstores, and using them is quick and easy. If you have food stuck around your implant and can’t remove it, we encourage you to call our office for further guidance.

Why you should keep your dental implant clean

If food is left stuck between your dental implants or near the gumline, you may notice some sensitivity and redness. Debris needs to be removed promptly, or you could risk gum disease or infection. Our oral surgeons encourage patients to stay educated about their implants and the best ways to keep them clean. We are always available to clarify your concerns about oral health.

Improve your oral health with implants

Tasks like eating and speaking can be a challenge if you have missing teeth. Dental implants are the best way to replace the gap in your smile and prevent future problems, like gum disease. If you want to learn about dental implants or have questions about maintaining them, call Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for an appointment today. Our clinic in Albany or Latham, NY can ensure you have a healthy and beautiful smile for life.