Dental implants can last a lifetime if they are properly placed to begin with, and if their oral hygiene is maintained consistently and effectively both professionally and at home. The questions that is often asked is, “How do I care for my implants after they are set in?”
Here are some key points to consider for taking care of your dental implants:
- Brush twice daily, for at least 2 minutes, longer if needed.
- Upgrade to an electric rechargeable toothbrush for more effective plaque and bacteria removal. Electric toothbrushes provide contact cleaning by rapidly vibrating across the teeth and gums. However, they also provide non-contact cleaning by producing microbubbles and sonic waves that go beyond the bristles to help disrupt and destroy bacteria and plaque deeper than manual toothbrushing alone.
- Use metal-free interdental cleaners to reach under hard-to-clean areas or tight in-between spaces.
- Floss in between every tooth and underneath accessible areas such as around a single implant or an implant bar. Thicker and fluffier floss may be more helpful than waxed floss, and flossing may require using a floss threader to feed the floss into and under the correct areas effectively. Super floss and Implant specific floss threaders are two options.
- If gums become inflamed or irritated, adding an oral irrigator or water flosser to the homecare routine may be very helpful.
- If you have an overdenture, remove, and thoroughly clean it every day and leave it out overnight whenever possible, preferably every night.
- Do not brush dentures with regular toothpaste. Only use denture-appropriate cleaners and soaks. Regular toothpaste can scratch and abrade denture material, which can trap and harbor bacteria.
- Visit the dentist a minimum of twice annually for a professional dental cleaning and doctor exam, including X-rays of the implants to check bone level stability.
- Immediately report any loose or mobile implants.
- Protect your investment by not using your teeth as tools and by wearing protective mouth gear while participating in sports.
- While the implant itself can last a very, very long time, the crown or denture that fits on top of the implant may need to be redone or repaired at some point. Breaks, chips, wear, and other issues may arise in the prosthetic piece that covers the implant due to usage or injury.
Remember, the mouth has to be healthy for the implants to be placed initially and to heal properly. Thus, the mouth has to stay healthy for the implants to last as long as possible. Just like natural teeth, dental implants require care and maintenance. For further information or to schedule an appointment with the highly reputable and experienced Dr. Farahmand, DMD of OF Dental Care please call 310.273.3650 or visit www.ofdentalcare.com to learn more.