Dental Implant Cleaning: What You Have to Know?

Losing a tooth can greatly impact your smile and oral health. However, dental implants have proven to be a great replacement option for natural teeth. They are long-lasting and look and feel like natural teeth.

Having said that, just like you care for your natural teeth, dental implants also need care and cleanliness. And while it’s not always an easy task, it’s essential for your overall oral health.

In this article, we will discuss the specifics of dental implant cleaning and what you need to know to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your implant. From disinfecting surfaces to removing residual material, we will explain everything you need to know to clean them without pain or discomfort.

What Does Dental Implant Means?

Dental implant treatment is a type of restorative dental work that uses titanium and other materials to replace teeth that are lost or damaged. Implants comprise a titanium frame, abutment (a connection point to the supporting tooth), and restoration (the teeth replacement).

Placing an implant starts with preparatory work on the surrounding gum tissue. The surgeon will remove loose or discolored teeth and clean the area around the implant site. Next, the abutment is fabricated from titanium and inserted into the prepared gum tissue. The restoration (i.e., the tooth) is then attached to the abutment using special screws or rods. Finally, the titanium frame is placed over all the implants, and the gums are sutured.

How to Care for Tooth Implants?

Tooth implant cleaning is essential to keeping your implants healthy and performing at their best. Here are some tips on how to clean them:

•   Make sure the area around your teeth is free of food, plaque, or bacteria. This includes removing any excess toothpaste from around your teeth and gums, flossing regularly, and brushing all surfaces of your teeth and gums.
•   If you have dentures or partial dentures, make sure they are cleaned and checked for damage every two weeks.
•   Clean the area around your implant with a mild soap and water solution using a soft cloth or special toothbrush designed for implant cleaning. Make sure to rinse and dry the area thoroughly before wearing your contact lenses or dental braces.
•   If you experience pain, redness, or swelling in the area around your implant, consult with a dentist, as these may be signs of infection or other health problems that must be addressed promptly.

Tooth Implant Maintenance Tips

Here are some tips to help you stay on top of the cleaning:

•   Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using a circular motion.
•   Use an interdental Aid to dislodge plaque and food particles between your teeth. This can be used before or after brushing.
•   Floss regularly! Plaque can build up between your teeth and the spaces between your implant and gum line, leading to infection if left untreated. Flossing also helps remove tartar buildup on your implant surfaces.
•   Rinse off your mouth after eating or drinking by using water, tea, or coffee (no ice). These beverages can contain harmful chemicals that can harm your tooth implant over time.

The Aftercare

If you recently had a tooth implant placed in your jaw, you should know a few things about post-operation care. The first thing is to make sure that you keep your implant clean. This can be done by rinsing it with water or saline solution daily and using a toothbrush and fluoride mouthwash to remove all bacteria and plaque.

You should also avoid eating hard foods or drinks for the first two weeks after surgery, as this could irritate your implant. Finally, if you experience any pain, swelling, or redness around your implant, please contact your Dentist immediately.

How Long do Dental Implants Last?

One of the many benefits of tooth implants is that they can last a long time. Technically, they are designed to last somewhere between two and three decades. However, it is important to note that their lifespan is impacted by you well you take care of them and your overall oral hygiene.

Final Thoughts

Dental implant cleaning is an important task that must be done regularly to keep them healthy and functioning optimally. If you’re unsure how often to clean your dental implant or have questions about the procedure, book your appointment at our dental clinic now.