A dental implant is a titanium post that is fused to the jaw to hold an artificial tooth in place. The implants have become a popular way to replace one or more missing teeth because these are visually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Since the crowns that are fitted on the implants to replace the missing teeth are usually made from porcelain and cannot decay, most people assume implants do not require as much attention as natural teeth.
The cleaning of a dental implant is similar to the way people clean natural teeth. However, since the crowns are artificial, there are a few things to keep in mind. Bacteria and food particles can get stuck in the areas around the implant. This leads to the formation of plaque, which can then lead to infection or gum disease if left untreated. To ensure that their patients’ artificial teeth are as clean as possible, dentists recommend using the following tools to take care of the dental implant after surgery.
Regular toothbrushes do a good job removing biofilm from the surface of the teeth. However, dentists recommend using interproximal brushes to clean the implant crowns. These brushes can reach parts of the teeth that regular toothbrushes cannot, which helps to prevent the buildup of plaque under the artificial tooth. Electric toothbrushes are also fine to use because they do a better job cleaning the teeth than regular toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes also have smaller heads, which allow them to clean the implant crowns better than a regular toothbrush can.
Most people do not pay attention to the type of toothpaste they use to clean their teeth as long as the job is done. However, dentists suggest the use of non-abrasive toothpaste for people with dental implants. It is gentler on the surface of the artificial tooth than regular toothpaste.
Oral irrigators or water flossers help to reduce plaque buildup and inflammation. They can be used to flush out the plaque and debris that get stuck under the implant crowns. Dentists recommend using a water flosser with a non-metal tip to clean the underneath of the implants at least twice a week.
A dentist will recommend a mouthguard or retainer if the patients grind or clench their teeth while sleeping. The retainer or mouthguard protects the implant crown from damage due to the tooth being worn down by the patient’s involuntary teeth grinding during sleep.
A way to keep a dental implant crown clean is having the implant cleaned regularly by a dentist. The dentist will thoroughly clean the threads of the implant, the surrounding gum tissue and the patient’s natural teeth, keeping away bacteria that can lead to infection.
Cleaning your dental implant is important because it helps to maintain the health and longevity of the implant. If you have implants and want to learn more ways you can properly take care of them, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get more information.
Request an appointment here: https://www.aboutdentalcare.com or call About Dental Care at (435) 359-0147 for an appointment in our St. George office.
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