Cleaning Implant-Supported Dentures
Teeth can become loose and fall out due to poor oral hygiene, certain medication, an accident, or even simply genetics. Periodontal disease is one factor that can lead to tooth loss and maintaining your oral health after implant placement is crucial to the success of your implant. If you have poor oral hygiene prior to implant placement, you may not even be considered a candidate for an implant. After implant placement, keeping your mouth clean and healthy is the best way to ensure that your implant lasts as long as possible!
Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth and an implant-supported denture is one of the best ways to restore a full arch of your mouth. Unlike a traditional denture, an implant-supported denture is much more stable and durable; it will not slip around in your mouth and cause sores. An implant-supported denture is also more natural-looking than traditional dentures.
How do you care for implant-supported dentures?
Oral Hygiene and Home Care
Caring for your new denture is as simple as caring for natural teeth. It is important to brush them at least twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Brushing helps remove debris and plaque buildup every day but it also helps stimulate blood flow to your gum tissue to keep it healthy and clean. A WaterPik is a great tool to help clear away debris and bacteria from under your denture.
Professional Maintenance
When you have an implant-supported denture, maintaining regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings is just as important if not more so. If your denture is fixed, your dentist will take it off for you so that your dental hygienist can carefully clean around each implant individually. When your denture is out, it can be thoroughly cleaned as well. Most dentists may recommend that you have your implant-supported denture professionally cleaned 3 to 4 times a year as opposed to twice a year as with natural teeth.
Even patients with periodontal issues need more frequent cleanings and patients with implants are no different! During these visits, your dentist will be able to take x-rays of your implants to make sure that everything is healthy and working properly! You should also make a point to visit your implant specialist once a year for an exam in addition to your general dentist.
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
A dental implant can easily last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Implant-supported dentures are no different though it is important to keep in mind that any type of dental restoration used for your implant may need to be replaced eventually due to normal wear and tear.
The implant itself can be unaffected even if your crown or denture needs work or has to be replaced. Dental implants act as the root of a tooth and help support jaw bone structure and are generally protected from damage by the gum tissue and the bone which is why it is vital to brush and floss regularly.
