How To Clean All-on-Four Dental Implants
There are many factors that play into a patient developing dental issues over time, resulting in their need for dental work. Poor dental hygiene, injury, genetics, and drug use are just some of the risk factors that lead to dental complications. Regardless of what has left you in a less than ideal dental situation, we are here to help you handle your restoration with utmost care and ensure the longevity of your new smile! All-On-Four Dental Implants have proved themselves to be an incredible tooth replacement option for those who have sought out permanent smile restoration procedures to correct their dental issues in an efficient and timely fashion. With that said, most people do not have proper knowledge on how to clean their dental implants properly. We want you to keep your new smile shining and healthy, so we’ve created this blog to help you do just that. Below, we will provide you with all the details that you need to know on how to clean All-on-4 dental implants.
When it comes to All-On-Four Dental Implants, four of the dental implant posts are placed strategically into the thickest part of the jaw. This helps prevent the need for bone grafting. Hence, if you were told at one time that you are not the proper candidate for dental implants due to bone loss, the All-on-4 could be an ideal solution for you! It is a type of endosteal implant inserted into your jawbone. It is crucial for you to take care of your oral health, as well as your general health by keeping these implants clean and healthy.
Like natural teeth, dental implants can also accumulate bacteria and foster an infection. It is important to brush and floss twice a day and attend each scheduled dental appointment. Here, five methods are listed which can be helpful for cleaning your dentures:
- Floss your implanted bridge after every meal for the removal of food debris
- Rinse your mouth with water and use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Clean the dentures with an electric toothbrush which ensures effective cleaning
- Properly clean the top of tongue and both sides of jaw to make sure that no bacteria are left
- Schedule regular visits to a dentist for professional cleaning every two to three months
Tools To Clean The All-On-4 Dental Implant
In order to perform any task, we require specific tools or equipment. Similarly, multiple tools can be used for the cleaning and caring of dental implants. These tools can be bought through the dentist’s recommendation or can be purchased from any drug store or dental clinic. Teeth are sensitive so taking this thing into consideration the tools selected should be effective but at the same time comfortable to use as well. They should be easy to use, flexible and soft. If you get any cut or injury by using these tools during cleaning, then extra care should be done because a cut or injury serves as an open ground for the bacteria to breed thus damaging the implant. Following are some of the tools and equipment that can be used for the cleaning purpose:
- The super floss for flossing
- Mouthwashes for removing the debris stuck in the implant or under the bridge
- A proxy brush for cleaning under the bridge easily
- A toothpick for reaching the smallest crevices to remove debris
- An end tuft brush for reaching the surfaces at the intersection of gum and implant
- A rubber tip for polishing and brushing of plaque
- An electric toothbrush for effective cleaning
Procedure Of Cleaning All On 4 Dental Implants
A careful, planned, and systematic procedure is required for the cleaning of All-on-4 dental implants. A strategically outlined procedure will ensure the thorough cleaning of the arch(es), hence having yourself a clean and long-lasting prosthesis. This process will consist of the thorough cleansing of both arches along with ensuring the removal of food debris from the inside surface of the mouth. Below, some steps are outlined that you can follow to keep a check on your All-on-4 implant hygiene:
Step 1:
Removing the Food Particles from Teeth
A soft toothpick can be used to remove the food particles stuck on the dental bridge and implant. It is helpful to remove the food material stuck, especially in dental crevices.
Step 2:
Using Super Floss on Implants
To remove the food particles from under the bridge or between the teeth, floss is the best thing to use. Generally, a floss is more flexible and effective to reach the areas where a traditional brush or toothpick wouldn’t reach. It is recommended to use once in 24 hours, but the frequent use leads to better and long-lasting results. The best time for flossing is at night before you go to bed, as it eliminates most of the bacteria left on or around the teeth after brushing.
Step 3:
Cleaning Thoroughly
Third step involves the thorough brushing of teeth by using a soft brush. Make sure to brush around the implants and close to the gums. Use of a traditional brush is good for this purpose. Ideally, an electric brush will be more efficient and effective than the regular traditional brush. While brushing, it is recommended to use a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Step 4:
Cleaning the Surface of Tongue
A full arch implant requires a thorough and rigorous cleaning for protection. Additionally, the upper surface of the tongue should be cleaned thoroughly.
Step 5:
Rinsing Mouth
Last but not the least. Thoroughly rinse your mouth with mouthwash products. This step makes sure that any food particles, if left, will be eliminated. This helps to clean the remaining food debris from the tongue, sides of your mouth and around the dental bridge.