Implant Plaque Removal

MAXIMIZING PLAQUE BACTERIA REMOVAL FROM DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants with their crowns look like, feel like, and function like natural teeth, but for durability, additional attention is needed while cleaning dental implants. Maximizing plaque removal from dental implants before the crowns are in place begins the day of the implant procedure. Even though the implant area will be sore and sensitive for several days, cleaning dental implants is a high priority to ensure that plaque and bacteria do not have the opportunity to form and attach to either the implant or the gum line.

BRUSHING

While the implant area is healed, the dentist may advise his patient not to use a toothbrush in that part of the mouth, but to use an antibacterial rinse or gel for several days. Following the initial healing period, a very soft toothbrush with antibacterial toothpaste can be used for gently cleaning dental implants. Maximizing plaque removal from dental implants is a major measure in preventing peri-implantitis, a condition that leads to bone loss and weakening of the implant anchor.

FLOSSING

Flossing is another important step in an at-home, daily, dental hygiene routine. Flossing around and between all of the teeth, especially teeth next to implants helps in ensuring an individual is maximizing plaque bacteria removal from dental implants. After the crowns are in place, the daily oral hygiene routine will include flossing thoroughly between the teeth and at the base of the implant crowns. As an extra measure for maximizing plaque removal from dental implants, the dentist may also recommend the use of a water flossing machine to reach those areas that regular floss and a toothbrush cannot reach between teeth and implants.

CLEANING DENTAL IMPLANTS

Implants can last a lifetime when individuals establish a daily, at-home dental hygiene routine in addition to regularly scheduled dental examinations and teeth cleanings. The use of antibacterial toothpaste and oral rinses add a layer of extra protection against plaque and bacteria that remain active all day long. Not all toothpaste and rinses have antibacterial ingredients, so it is important to read the product labels.