Cleaning Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures, just like regular teeth, must be cleaned daily. To clean, remove all detachable components and clean around the components, artificial teeth and gum areas. It is not recommended to sleep with dentures in your mouth. Removing dentures at night helps prevent infections and other complications.
It is important to clean your implant-supported dentures in the morning after breakfast and at night after your last meal. Cleaning in the evening is important because your mouth produces less saliva when you sleep and bacteria is not naturally rinsed away.
It is especially critical to keep the abutments clean. The abutments are the areas where the denture attaches to the jaw bone. It is helpful to complete the cleaning in good lighting with a large mirror.
The various stages of cleaning are as follows:
- Clean the inner and outer sides of all abutment pillars and surrounding gums with short horizontal movements.
- Clean the rear side of the backmost teeth on both sides with short horizontal movements.
- Clean all spaces with gaps on either side of the abutment pillars and the gaps between the root tips of the denture or bridge with a proxabrush. This brush should fit through the rinsing space with some resistance. Push the brush through the space multiple times at different angles.
- While placing the toothbrush against the gum, make a dragging-rotating motion up to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Work in small sections throughout the mouth. On the inner side of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and drawn up vertically towards the biting edges of the teeth. Hold the brush as horizontally, if possible.
- In the areas where the bridge, denture or bar touches the gum tissue, floss back and forth several times. A threader should be used to get the floss in the rinsing spaces.
- Complete the cleaning by rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water.
It is important to follow these instructions and find a routine that works for you. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in caring for your implant-supported dentures and ensuring they last.
Professional Maintenance and Care
Visits to the dentist to help ensure dentures and implants are well maintained. Regular office visits will include a thorough examination to check the health of your gums and mouth tissues. The exam will also ensure your dentures fit comfortably. X-rays may occasionally be taken to allow your dentist to confirm that implants, abutments, and attachments are positioned correctly. Clips and other attachments can show signs of wear and are typically replaced annually or bi-annually.
What You Can Expect from Your Implant-Supported Dentures
With the proper care and maintenance, your implant-supported dentures can last for many years without issues. Implant-supported dentures are significantly more stable than traditional dentures. Be conscious of your diet as extremely hard or sticky foods can cause damage. Visit your dentist regularly and contact the office immediately if there are any issues or gum irritation caused by the dentures. Sore spots caused by dentures and bite problems can be easily corrected. Your implant-supported dentures should always be comfortable, attractive and functional.
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