For the long-term success of treatment, the maintenance and care of dental implants is essential. In other words, the best way to clean dental implants at home is through good brushing, rinsing, and the use of a mouth irrigator. For annual maintenance you must go to your dentist for clinical and radiological control, as well as cleaning below the gum at the dental clinic.
It was a long but rewarding process. After the surgical phase and many visits to the dentist, your denture on implants is now installed. A lot has changed in her mouth and it's okay to take time to adjust. However, it is common to see in dental clinics that even though the dentures and implants have been perfectly placed, after a while, patients often return with problems. If you have implant supported dentures, or are considering them, you should be aware that the key to its long-term success is excellent oral hygiene. The dentures are supported by implants, which, although integrated, remain foreign bodies that can be rejected over time if bacteria or excessive pressure weaken their operation.
Visit your dentist at least once a year for a thorough follow-up visit and twice a year for a cleaning and possible adjustments. Just because your teeth are no longer natural doesn't mean you won't have to go to the dentist anymore. Patients with these types of restorations do require frequent care. Since it cannot be removed, the denture can become difficult to clean in certain areas, especially where there are more implants (5 or 6). Food residues or bacteria can not only endanger the implants but can also cause gum inflammation or fungal disease where it has not been cleaned properly. The dentist will also be able to remove the denture and give it a good cleaning.
Use the waterpik twice a day. As with natural teeth, your routine should include removing food debris, which can be done most easily with an oral irrigator. These are usually affordable and available in pharmacies. Dentists recommend using it on low or medium power, as high power can wear down acrylic over time. This technique will give you access under the denture, which you can do from the front or back.
Pass the dental floss under the denture at least once a day. Oral B Super Floss is a good choice because the floss includes a stiff part that makes it easier to manipulate. Also, the fluffy floss is useful for the space between your gums and dentures.
Get appropriate toothbrushes. There is a wide variety of sizes and functions in toothbrushes. Thinner brushes and interdentals can help you reach hard-to-reach areas on implant dentures. They also help massage the gums, which promotes blood circulation and regeneration. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Rinse daily with an alcohol-free, antiseptic mouthwash. This will help dissolve food particles that could not be reached with the previous methods. If swelling occurs, try rinsing with lukewarm salt water for 2-3 days. If it persists, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Proper oral hygiene is essential for a successful implant supported dentures. Dental implants require an even more dedicated and thorough cleaning routine as bacteria promote infection and bone loss on implants.