Cleaning Dental Implants
Dublin, OH

Dental implants are an incredible treatment used to replace missing teeth. This treatment uses small titanium posts which are surgically implanted into your jawbone to provide the necessary support for your replacement teeth. As you heal from the procedure, your bone fuses to the posts in a natural process called osseointegration. This process turns the posts into strong, stable replacement roots that anchor your new teeth securely in place. At Rekos & Border Oral Surgery, we provide dental implants to meet many different needs. Implants provide several significant benefits over traditional treatments. One of these benefits is that they are easier to maintain than dentures. However, they still require proper care.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Dental Implants

Keeping your dental implants clean is essential for maintaining your oral health and for ensuring that your dental implants remain strong and healthy. Even if all of your teeth have been replaced, good oral hygiene practices are incredibly important. Your ceramic replacement teeth cannot decay or develop cavities, but they still collect plaque and bacteria.

These substances, while natural, can irritate your gum tissue, leading to gum disease. As gum disease progresses, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, allowing bacteria to get trapped below the gum line. The bacteria eventually begin attacking your jawbone, causing it to grow weak. When this happens, the stability of your dental implants becomes compromised, and you may even experience implant failure.

Cleaning Dental Implants at Home

Taking care of your dental implants occurs mainly at home. Your replacement teeth should be taken care of just like your natural teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two full minutes each time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently move your toothbrush back and forth across your teeth. Clean the front surfaces as well the backs and chewing surfaces.

You should floss your teeth at least once a day. Take 18-inches of floss and wind it around your fingers. Leave about two inches between them. Carefully work the floss between your teeth, taking care not to snap it against your gums. Scrape gently up and down the sides of each tooth, both natural and replacement. Use a new section of floss for each space and do not forget behind your very back teeth. If you do not have the manual dexterity to use traditional floss, you can use floss picks.

Professional Care for Dental Implants

In addition to taking care of your dental implants at home, they also require professional care as well. It is important that you continue to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months, even if all of your teeth have been replaced. Cleanings allow for the removal of even the most stubborn buildup from your real teeth and your ceramic teeth, helping you to prevent serious oral health issues from developing. During your dental exams, your teeth and gums are assessed for signs of damage, decay, and gum disease. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment, preventing more significant issues from developing. Your replacement teeth are also checked for wear and damage, allowing for any necessary repairs to be made right away.

Keeping your dental implants, and your whole mouth, clean is essential or ensuring optimal oral health and the longevity of your replacement teeth. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Rekos & Border Oral Surgery at (614) 764-9455 today.