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 Miami, FL
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 South Florida Dental Arts at 305-230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
Dental implants can prevent tooth loss from affecting oral health, facial structure, and overall quality of life. While tooth replacements like traditional dentures and dental bridges provide functional and aesthetic improvements, implants offer superior advantages in durability, jawbone preservation, and smile aesthetics. Understanding these benefits can reveal whether dental implants are your best option for…
Dental implants provide a long-term solution for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease. These implants act as artificial tooth roots, offering stability and durability similar to natural teeth. In recent years, dental implants have become a preferred option for tooth replacement because they preserve the jawbone…
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth, providing durability, functionality, and a natural appearance. While they offer many benefits, proper care is essential to ensure long-term success. After undergoing the implant procedure, patients should be aware of key recovery steps and maintenance guidelines to protect their investment.The healing process after dental implants involves…