Clean & Maintain Dental Implants
Caring for your Dental implant is a second chance to maintain the tooth it replaced. By using efficient hygiene procedures, you can ensure that your gums, teeth, and dental implants are protected from disease, infection, inflammation, and further decay.
Your Implant
Your implant is placed into the cavity left behind by a root canal. In this space it sets, fuses to bone, and your gum grows back around it securing it in place. This is the process of setting. Once the implant is set an abutment will be attached. An abutment is a small piece which attaches to the implant anchor, or post, through rivets like a screw. Once the abutment is placed the crown can be attached. The crown can be made of many various materials for strength and appearance, depending on where the implant will be placed in your mouth. Implants can also be used to anchor partial or full dentures, as well as bridges or crowns. While your occasional visit to the dentist or dental hygienist may feature more advanced cleaning tools, the dental hygiene procedure for these implants is the same as teeth.
- Brush- Brush often, after every meal or at least 2 times a day. Brush for 2 minutes at least, making sure to scrub all areas and nooks in your mouth. Make sure to brush both sides of your teeth, from the gumline out. Try to get in between any teeth you can. You should also brush your tongue and gums when you can. You may also use a tongue scraper, which is very popular abroad but less so in the USA. If you have any pain or discomfort brushing around your implant, ask your Dentist. It may be that your implant is still healing, but if it has already healed it could be an indication that infection or disease is brewing.
- Floss- Most people do not develop strong flossing hygiene until later in life. Now is the time to start. Keep dental floss on your person when you are out and about or at work. It usually costs a dollar at the dollar store. Use after every meal, or anytime you feel you need to. Make sure to floss between every tooth, down into and around the gum. Your teeth will bleed as you begin this habit, probably a lot, but doing this routinely will eliminate that problem. If your gums are bleeding profusely after you being flossing it is probably a sign that gum disease is already festering.
- Mouthwash- Always a refreshing way to remind yourself of your Dental health. Use and rinse and swish on your mouth for at least 30 seconds. If you do not enjoy the sensation, consult with your Dentist about options that do not burn.
Maintain regular consultations with your Dentist or Hygienist
These are your professional Dental Health mentors, take advantage of their expertise and advice. Any time you have questions or concerns, ask them for feedback. They can give you the proper procedure, samples, or products for the care and cleaning of your Dental Implant.