Do I Need Fluoride Treatment with Dental Implants?
We all learn to brush our teeth, and usually that means learning to use fluoride toothpaste design to prevent tooth decay. Many people increase their chances of having a healthy mouth by getting fluoride treatments at the dentist. But what if all your teeth aren’t your natural teeth? Do dental implants need fluoride, too?
Contradicting Information About Dental Implants and Fluoride
There has been some conflicting information about whether or not fluoride is good for dental implants. Since getting implants is an investment in your smile, and can affect your confidence and overall well-being, investigating those concerns are well worth your while. Critics of fluoride treatments, or even using fluoride toothpaste, warn of the risk of corrosion over time. This happens with very concentrated fluoride levels, and any damage happens over a long period of time.
Overall dental implants are known for being sturdy, so they can handle the fluoride treatment used on your natural teeth. If you get fluoride treatments, they can be targeted to go to your natural teeth. Avoiding your implants during the treatment will minimize any negative effects. Remember that you still need to care for your natural teeth even after a success dental implant. Fluoride treatments help keep your remaining teeth healthy.
How Fluoride Treatments Are Done
Fluoride comes from many sources, including food and water. Most public water systems in the U.S. add fluoride to drinking water, but those who drink bottled water exclusively may not get as much.Topical applications are common, either in the form of toothpaste or mouth rinses. In some cases doctors and dentist prescribe fluoride tablets if they believe demineralization is necessary.
You can also receive professional fluoride treatments that target your teeth more directly. The three main ways to receive fluoride treatments include:
- Varnishes painted directly on the teeth
- Foams placed in a mouth guard and sit on the teeth for up to four minutes
- Gels applied to either individual teeth or in a mouth guard.
The health of every mouth is different. You need to take care of each tooth in your mouth, whether natural or implant. By working with a dentist that knows your history, they understand the health and risks involved in your specific situation. This means you can get individualized recommendations from your dentist on how to keep both healthy.
Are Dental Implants the Right Choice?
If you have had dentures or partial dentures for a while, they may have seemed like a good choice at the time. They can be removed when you brush your natural teeth, and cleaned separately. On the surface, they seem more affordable because the initial cost is less. However they need to be replaced over time, and since they do not hold as strongly in your mouth, you may experience restrictions on the foods you can eat.
You may also just have missing teeth that you have worked around in the past, and over time those gaps may have changed the shape of your face. Teeth exist for more than chewing your food. They also help with the structure of your face. Dental implants can help with these concerns, and they last longer than dentures. Even better, they also feel a lot more like real teeth.
When you consider dental implants, it’s important to take good care of your gums. In this way your oral health habits can make a big difference. If you worry too much about how fluoride may affect your dental implants, it could hinder your overall dental hygiene routine. This may make it less likely for you to be a good candidate for additional implants, should you need them.
Conclusion
Every mouth is different, so there is no one answer as to what is best. At Dental Brothers in Mesa and Phoenix, we provide a full examination and will review your dental history with you in order to help you decide if dental implants are your best choice. Once in, we’ll help you learn how to keep both your implants and your remaining natural teeth as healthy as possible for as long as possible. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. contact our offices today.
