As should be done with natural teeth, implant supported dentures should be thoroughly cleaned daily to clear away food debris and particles. By adhering to some simple steps, patients can ensure their dentures last as long as possible and dental problems are avoided.
The Importance of Daily Maintenance
Cleaning the supportive implants and dentures every day is helpful for keeping the smile attractive and healthy. Over time, food debris can lead to a layer of residue forming on the prosthetic teeth. This layer of bacterial biofilm can cause the dentures to appear discolored and should be removed every day.
Dental problems, such as periodontal disease, can also be avoided if implant supported dentures are properly cleaned. This is critical as gum disease can cause bone tissue loss around the implants. Should implants suffer from infection, patients risk developing peri-implantitis, one of the primary causes of implant failure.
How to Clean Implant Supported Dentures
Rather than being removable, implant supported dentures are fixed in place. Patients should clean their prosthesis every morning and every night.
* Brushing and Toothpaste: Implant supported dentures should be brushed two times per day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Care should be taken to ensure that brushing is not overly aggressive as this can damage the dentures. When brushing the prosthetic teeth, the tongue, gums, and other soft tissues in the mouth should also be cleaned to avoid bacteria building up that can lead to gum disease. A non-abrasive toothpaste should also be used to avoid scratching the dentures.
* Water Flossing: It is also recommended that patients use a water flossing device to clear away food debris and bacteria from the dentures. This can also help access difficult to reach areas such as between the gums and dentures. Several water flossing systems include various small brush attachments what can also be used to clean implant supported dentures.
If properly cared for, implant supported dentures should give patients many years of reliable use. Since they are more stable than conventional dentures, speech problems are alleviated, and patients can enjoy most of the foods they love with limited restriction. Overly hard or sticky foods should likely be avoided as they can damage the dentures.
Professional Maintenance and Cleaning
Along with routine daily cleaning and maintenance, it is also important to regularly visit the dentist to ensure the implant supported dentures are in good condition and functioning as needed. During each visit, the dentist will conduct an examination to assess the health of the patient’s gums and jawbone.
During the examination, the dentist will:
* Clean the periodontal tissues
* Assess how healthy the gums are
* Thoroughly clean the surfaces of the dentures
* In certain instances, the dentures may be removed so that each dental implant can be cleaned around
* Check for complications and signs of infection
* Ensure the dentures are fitted properly – could include x-rays to verify the position of the implants, abutments, and dentures
* Replace any clips or other attachments that easily wear out and need replacement every one to two years