Even though dental implants cannot develop cavities as natural teeth do, they still need to be cleaned regularly to prevent plaque from building up and spreading the infection to the gums and jawbone. Implants and jawbones are both vulnerable to periodontal disease, which can weaken both. Discuss your best course of action with a dentist in Burlingame, CA.
Taking care of a single dental implant
A dental hygienist can clean the abutment and crown, but everyday upkeep is still the patient’s responsibility. Warning signs of inadequate home care include:
- Bleeding
- Gums that are red and swollen
- Poor breath and toothache
- It leaves a sour sensation in one’s mouth
The health of neighboring teeth can be protected against bacteria, and the lifespan of a single dental implant is extended with only a little bit of extra care during the cleaning.
Brushing
Both patients with and without implants should brush their teeth twice daily. Patients with dental implants need to care when brushing the crown since the artificial tooth is easily scratched. The crown can become infected with bacteria from the mouth if there are any cuts or abrasions on the surface.
A gentle brand of toothpaste
Compared to natural teeth, the acrylic surface of implant crowns is more susceptible to wear from abrasive compounds like baking soda. Wearing surfaces promote infection in the jaw and surrounding implant tissue by providing bacteria with a foothold. Using gentle toothpaste when brushing takes care of that problem.
“Water Flossing”
The water flosser’s specialized pieces allow the water to be aimed at the area between the crown and the gums, a common site for bacterial buildup. Plaque and debris are washed away by a gentle yet effective pulsating hydraulic force of room-temperature water.
Flossing Methods Besides the Traditional One
There is no need to use water floss while using a soft interdental brush. If you have dental implants, you shouldn’t use regular string floss since it can rip and lodge in your gums, producing an infection. The area where the crown edge meets the gumline may only be safely cleaned using floss created explicitly with shred-resistant stiff ends and a malleable middle.
Clearing out the anchors for dentures and bridges
The procedures for cleaning an individual implant and those for cleaning a series of implants are, for the most part, interchangeable. Patients with bridges and dentures supported by implants may benefit from access to additional home care equipment.
