Implant hygiene determines the longevity of your fixed treatment. The care you take will influence its long-term success.
Implant hygiene
Using dental floss
Dental floss or dental tape should be used on a daily basis. It’s crucial to keep your crown or bridge clean; food particles lead to an increase in dental plaque. Plaque is harmful to oral health in general, as well as to your implants.
Dental floss is easy to use; rub the floss or tape gently against the implant.
Interdental brushes
Interdental brushes are available in pharmacies. They are small brushes specially designed to remove food particles accumulated between the crown and the gums. With the help of this small device, you can effectively clean small spaces that an ordinary toothbrush can’t reach.
Using an interdental brush allows cleaning the small titanium cylinder in the area where the prosthesis meets the gums. Interdental brushes are very effective in cases of individual implants or bridges.
Irrigation systems – water flosser
A water flosser is an irrigation system that can be useful for dental implant hygiene. You can find them in pharmacies and large supermarkets. It is an indispensable device in cases of multiple implants and bridges. By using jets of pressurised water, it allows removing food particles in areas that the dental floss or the toothbrush can’t reach.
Please ask your dentist about cleaning and taking care of your implants once the treatment is completed. Your cooperation in maintenance appointments and commitment to complying with daily hygiene rules will extend your treatment’s life.
Is implant hygiene important?
Studies on this subject indicate that most cases of failed implants are related to poor hygiene. Poor hygiene can cause a disease called peri-implantitis, which is an inflammatory process that affects the gums around the implants. This inflammation can lead to haemorrhages and, subsequently, bone loss.
On implant hygiene
Dental plaque is your treatment’s number one enemy. Therefore, using the aforementioned instruments and ensuring implant hygiene are crucial.
Make sure you use appropriate brushing techniques.
Visit your dentist for a more thorough oral hygiene: tartar removal, prosthetic cleansing.
Schedule semi-annual or annual check-ups.
If you follow a strict implant hygiene, your dental rehabilitation will last for many, many years.
