Do you know that dental restorations can last from 10 years to your lifetime? These are some of the best options right now in the dental field to replace your missing teeth. They offer functionality while giving your smile the same natural look as if these were your real teeth. The success rate of these restorations is really high; however, you still need to care for these implants.
You have to keep in mind that they might work and look like real teeth, but they are not. It’s essential to clean your prosthetic teeth regularly to help them last for a long time. You have to do some things differently from how you maintain your natural teeth. In this blog, let’s learn some essential tips from a Silver Spring dentist on cleaning your implants. Also, find out why at-home cleaning techniques are not enough and the importance of regular professional cleaning for your restorations.
Why It’s Important to Clean Them Regularly?
Maintaining dental health is the primary reason why routine cleaning of dental implants Silver Spring is essential. Over time, they may develop bacteria and plaque. Plaque and bacteria can lead to issues, including gum disease and failure, if they are not eliminated. Maintaining the most excellent possible appearance for your restorations is another incentive to clean them.
Prosthetic teeth must be cleaned regularly, just like your natural teeth, to prevent discoloration from plaque and germs. Although implants have quite a high success rate, irregular cleaning can lead to infection, which increases the chances of implant failure. That’s why dental practitioners instruct patients to ensure they keep their prosthetic teeth clean and maintain an oral hygiene routine.
How to Clean Dental Implants at Home?
If you want to maintain your implant’s health over time, ensure it remains clean. However, it’s essential to know the proper way to do that so as not to damage it. Here are some ways to do that:
Step One
If you had a hard-bristle toothbrush before getting restorations, you must change it. After the implantation, you have to use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Ensure you brush daily or, if possible, even more times. For the brushing technique, use short motions with back-and-forth strokes that go from the base to the top, where the teeth meet the gums. You can not use any mouthwash for at least one month after the procedure. Instead, try to wash your mouth with warm water; do not rinse excessively, and avoid the surgical site.
Step Two
Try switching to an interdental brush to clean between the teeth and implants. It’s similar to a regular brush; however, you can notice the difference after using it once daily. Since the shape of the brush is different, it will reach a different perspective of your restorations. For flossing, you can use dental tape, crown and bridge floss, or water floss. These are effective in removing the food particles that are stuck between your teeth and implants. It’s essential to remove it because it can later lead to an infection or inflammation.
The Importance of Professional Cleaning
No matter how much you maintain or clean your implants, it is not enough to replace a professional cleaning session. Plaque cannot be removed if it has already built up on the surface of the restoration. If not needed sooner, it’s essential to clean the prosthetic teeth every six months in a dental office. They have tools to clean the plaque and know the technique to avoid damaging the surface. Even if you buy those tools at home, you will require the expertise to use them. That’s why it’s essential to visit your dentist for a cleaning session after getting a restoration for long-lasting results.
Make Your Implant Last Longer with Us
We have already provided you with all the crucial tips to keep your implants clean. These tips are effective for basic dental care after you get your restorations. However, these cannot provide the professional results your dental restorations require for effective cleaning. So, it’s best to visit us at least twice a year for routine dental care.
Our dentist has extensive experience and can identify any issues with implants during checkups, if there are any. That is why we suggest regular checkups and cleaning sessions after you get your dental implants in Silver Spring. If you wish to properly care for your restorations and ensure they last a lifetime, schedule an appointment with us. At Smile Loft Dental at Hillandale, we aim to give the best care possible to keep your smile healthy.