July 5, 2023
Cleaning and Maintenance required for All-on-4 Dental Implants
Yes, All-on-4 dental implants are an effective solution for missing teeth and have several benefits. That does not mean that once you have them on, your visits to the dentist for routine check-ups are over. Some patients may think that as they now have false teeth, going to the dentist is unnecessary, or that the few implants placed might not need particular care.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for the success and longevity of your all-on-4 implants. You should maintain the same level of proper oral hygiene as you would for a mouth full of natural teeth.
How to Clean Your All-on-4 Dental Implants at Home
Oral hygiene for your implants is an easy task. There are some new steps that you will have to add to your routine that are necessary for keeping your implants and gums healthy.
If you invested a lot to get your new smile, you can invest a few more minutes to guarantee its longevity in the years to come.
STEP 1: BRUSH
You should brush your teeth twice a day or after every meal for two minutes with a soft, small manual toothbrush.
You will want to take special care when brushing along the gum line, as food particles tend to get stuck where the tooth bridge is attached. Brush over all surfaces in your mouth to prevent plaque buildup.
STEP 2: FLOSS
You should floss once a day, especially under your tooth bridge. This is essential for cleaning away food particles, preventing plaque, and avoiding gum inflammation, which can cause the implant to fail.
STEP 3: WATER FLOSSING OR WATERPIK
A water flosser or waterpik can help dislodge any food particles that may be stuck in places that are hard to reach, mostly between the tooth bridge and gums.
Before using the water flosser, you must remove the plaque by brushing and flossing.
STEP 4: USE A GUM STIMULATOR
Another useful way to dislodge any food particles that may be stuck in the gums is to use a rubber-tip gum stimulator. It gently traces around where your gum line meets your tooth bridge, and it helps to stimulate blood flow to the area, which can aid the healing process.
STEP 5: RINSE WITH MOUTHWASH
This is an optional step in the cleaning routine, but feeling your mouth fresh after the cleaning routine is very pleasing.
There are many great options on the market. However, you can also opt for a natural home mouthwash by mixing 12 teaspoons of salt with 1 cup of warm water. You can use this homemade saltwater mouthwash once or twice a week.
What Happens if you don’t Clean Your All-on-4 Implants Correctly?
The importance of oral hygiene after the all-on-4 procedure and any other oral procedure is essential for its success. Incorrect cleaning of your implants may lead to harmful bacteria multiplying on the surface of the implant, causing infections in the jaw or gums and even gum inflammation. Furthermore, neglecting these problems can result in bone loss around the implants, which can lead to pre-implantitis or implant failure. In more severe instances, complete removal of the implants may be necessary.
If problems cleaning your all-on-4 implants arise or you are having trouble with food getting stuck under your tooth bridge, a visit to a professional might be the best option. In the event of an inadequately designed tooth bridge, it can develop into what we refer to as a ‘food trap.’ In such cases, it may be necessary to replace the tooth bridge with a new one.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups with Your Dentist
Regular check-ups with your dentist are also an essential part of the procedure. After the placement of the implants, you will need to visit your dentist every 6 months for professional cleaning and maintenance.
What happens during these appointments? The dentist will take a look at the condition and placement of the all-on-4 tooth bridge and implants, as well as the overall health of your mouth and gums. X-rays may be required.
The dentist may also take out your tooth bridge so that the implants can be cleaned and remove any plaque or tartar deposits.
If your dental implants hurt, somehow feel “off,” or see any sign of infection, you need to contact a professional right away. While dental implants have a high success rate, in some rare cases, they do fail. Read more about the Reasons Why a Dental Implant May Fail here.
If you have more doubts or want to learn more about All-on-4 Dental Implants, as well as other topics, take a look at the different articles we posted HERE.
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