How to Properly Care for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are common devices placed by dentists to replace missing teeth in adults. Leaving spaces in your mouth can cause room for increased infections and cause destruction to your bone structure in your jaw. 

To alleviate both structural and infection issues, dental implants are put in to replace those missing teeth and fill in the holes. Additionally, dental implants are used to help stabilize dentures for both comfort and function. 

The longevity of your dental implants is entirely dependent on your techniques and efforts to keep up with your oral health.

Keeping your implants free and clean of destructive bacteria and plaque will make all the difference in the world. If they are not properly cleaned, you can run the risk of infection in the tissues around the implants and it can even lead to implant failure. 

Cleaning single implants

Cleaning single implants are very similar to cleaning your teeth. We recommend brushing at least twice per day with a soft-bristle brush using a low-abrasive toothpaste. Carefully brush under and around the implant crown.

In addition, use a nylon-coated interdental brush to clean the hard-to-reach places. Also, make sure to floss daily with unwaxed dental tape or implant-specific floss. We also recommend using an oral irrigator. 

Cleaning overdentures 

For overdentures, you are going to want to remove the dentures daily and soak them in a specific cleaner for a specific amount of time recommended by your dentist. You should also spend time inspecting the O-rings, locator caps, and clips when you go to soak them. If you notice that any are missing, contact your dentist right away for replacements. As for cleaning, gently brush the underside of the denture with a specified denture brush. When you are done, rinse the denture thoroughly with water prior to placing it in your mouth.

Make sure to speak to your dentist about replacing your O-rings and locator caps annually to keep them in good shape! 

Implants are successful and practical medical procedures

Although they pose cleaning challenges, dental implants generally make life easier, especially when it comes to eating and smiling. They are the closest that people can get to real, natural teeth and can be long-lasting when properly cared for. 

However, you need to be aware of all the necessary cleaning that is crucial to the health and function of your implants. Without proper cleaning, you run the risk of peri-implant disease, which can result in loss of attachment and loss of bone around the implants.

Work with the professionals at The Complete Dentistry of Orland Park and you’ll be in good hands! We can help make caring for your dental implants as straight-forward and easy as possible!