Dental implants are not susceptible to the decay that afflicts natural teeth, but still require adequate cleaning to remove plaque that can stick to them and infect the surrounding tissue. Periodontal disease can destabilize the jawbone, and consequently the implant.
Although a dental hygienist can clean the implant's abutment and the crown, the patient must also perform daily maintenance. Signs of improper home care include:
Taking a small amount of extra care when cleaning a single dental implant can shield surrounding teeth from bacteria and increase its longevity.
Brushing twice per day is necessary for patients with and without implants. Patients with dental implants must gently brush the crown, using a soft nylon brush to avoid scratching its surface. Oral bacteria can migrate into the jaw through scratches on the crown.
Unlike natural teeth, implant crowns have an acrylic surface that abrasive substances such as baking soda can wear away. Worn surfaces create access points for bacteria that can infect the jaw and the tissue around the implant. Brushing with a mild toothpaste eliminates this concern.
Water flossers have parts that can direct water flow deep inside the space between the crown and the gums where bacteria accumulate. A pulsating hydraulic force of room temperature water washes away plaque and debris and is gentle enough to apply every day.
Soft interdental brushes can achieve the same level of cleaning that water flossing provides. Standard string floss is inadvisable for use near dental implants because it can shred and enter the gum tissue causing infection. Specially designed floss consisting of shred-resistant stiff ends and a pliable middle can safely clean the area where the crown's edge meets the gumline.
Patients can gently massage the gums with stimulators to send nutrient-rich blood to the implant region. A gum stimulator is also an excellent cleaning device consisting of a long metal or plastic arm supporting a small triangular-shaped rubber or silicone tip that reaches beyond the gumline near the implant crown to scrape away plaque. It can enter the tight space between the crown and other teeth to loosen trapped debris.
Whether a patient has a single implant or multiple implants, the cleaning methods are the same, with some variation. Additional tools in a home care arsenal can benefit patients with implant-supported bridges and dentures.
Patients can use small, narrow brushes with soft bristles to clean implant-supported bridges or dentures near the gumline where standard toothbrushes cannot easily reach. Subtle changes in design depend on which part of the mouth is cleaned.
A mouth rinse can penetrate spaces that other home care tools can not reach. Antibacterial rinses can dislodge debris while killing germs that can cause periodontitis.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Implants Clean in Salt Lake City, UT
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper cleaning. Rigorous home care is essential but does not take the place of in-office deep cleaning.
Request an appointment or call Eric A. Larson DDS at 801-871-8983 for an appointment in our Salt Lake City office.
Choosing to have dental implants means getting function and form in one restoration. These restorations can blend well with your neighboring teeth. The proper attachment will make others unaware of the procedure you had. If you want to know how dental implants blend well with your natural teeth, here are the details.The natural look of…
Patients may feel overwhelmed when a dentist suggests dental implants. The process can sound intimidating, but fortunately the practice of providing patients with a brand-new smile has been studied, modernized, and improved over the past several decades. Not only can patients feel confident smiling frequently in public again, but their oral health and daily function…
If you have one or more missing teeth that need to be replaced, dental implants can help fill in your smile. This option allows patients to accomplish several goals, including enhancing appearance and restoring function. However, implants can cost patients a lot upfront, leading patients to wonder if this solution is worth the price.It is…
If your teenager is in need of teeth straightening treatment, you may be wondering whether Invisalign® for teens is a viable option. There are pros and cons to everything in life, and Invisalign is no different. Here are four things to think about as you consider the appropriate choice for your child.Invisalign uses clear aligners…
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…
