Cleaning Implant Supported Dentures
Are you in the process of trying to choose the best tooth replacement option for you, but are struggling with all of the factors to consider? A factor that you may not have considered before is daily maintenance. Whatever tooth replacement option you choose, tooth replacement appliances need to be cleaned just like natural teeth. Yes, they are artificial, but they are in your mouth daily, exposed to the bacteria that your natural teeth are exposed to. If you are investing in tooth replacement, you will want to put in the effort to maintain this investment. If you are considering investing in implant supported dentures, here is some basic information about the daily maintenance and cleaning required.
Daily cleaning
Just like natural teeth, supported dentures should be cleaned daily. Not only is it important to clean the prosthetic dentures, but also the tissue and any teeth remaining in the mouth. Many patients are surprised when they are still encouraged to brush their gums and mouth even when they have no teeth. Unsure of what this daily cleaning should look like? Here are the basic steps:
- First, you would remove the detachable dentures and start by thoroughly cleaning the denture prosthetic. If you do not remove the denture, you may have bacteria and germs that remain trapped underneath the denture, which can be harmful to the gum tissue and jawbones.
- Next, with the denture removed, brush your mouth, including the gum area and around the implant attachments. Food can get stuck in these small places and bacteria can build up.
- Lastly, keep your dentures out overnight to help prevent infections and gum disease.
Professional care
Even if you no longer have any natural teeth, it is just as important to maintain your regular dental appointments to keep your oral health in check. Routine professional cleanings can still be performed on dentures and implants to help them stay in the best possible condition. With implant supported dentures your dental visits will not change much. Your routine visit will still include a thorough exam of the gums and mouth and a quick check to make sure your dentures are still fitting comfortably. Similar to before, your dentist may request getting x-rays every few visits to make sure that your implants are positioned correctly, and your jaw bones look healthy. Additionally, your dentist may want to check the denture clips or attachments as they sometimes wear out easily and may need to be replaced.
Making your implant-supported dentures last
If you have decided to invest in supported dentures, you will want to make your investment last. Just like natural teeth, dentures will last longer with proper maintenance. Daily care, including daily cleaning of your dentures and mouth, will help your implant supported dentures last many years reliably. Your dentist may suggest that you avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage your dentures, and that you perform some extra cleaning after eating certain types of food. Keeping routine dental appointments scheduled every 6 months will also go a long way to not only maintaining the dentures, but your overall oral health.
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