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 Honolulu, HI
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 Diamond Head Dental Care at 808-450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.
Dental implants are a popular choice for patients wanting to replace missing teeth. Formerly, partial dentures and dental bridges were the go-to treatments. However, implants have many advantages. They are more stable than removable dentures and typically last longer than bridges. Using this prosthesis, a dentist can replace a single missing tooth without disturbing any…
Dental implants are devices, usually made with titanium, that fuse with the jawbone and replace natural tooth roots. A common reason to get an implant is tooth loss due to tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury to the mouth. Some patients report that dental implants are a more natural-feeling alternative to full or partial…
For people with gaps in their mouth due to missing teeth, dental implants can be a great replacement method. Implants provide a wide variety of benefits, and they last a long time. However, the procedure is more invasive than others, and it is not a good option for every patient. When considering them as a…
Whether a patient is new in town or simply trying to find a dentist who is accepting new patients, it is easy to maximize the chance of finding a great provider after looking in the right places. Strategies can include using the word-of-mouth approach, utilizing a dental database to find a licensed dentist, or simply…
Everyone needs professional care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. These days, it is much easier to find a dentist who covers the essentials and offers additional treatments for complete care. By understanding the type of care a dentist can provide and how to find the right office, patients can enjoy better oral health.Many dentists…