Best Cleaning Tools for Implant-supported Restorations

Titanium dental implants are incredibly strong, but they are still susceptible to failure if the surrounding supportive bone and soft tissue are not healthy. Once you have undergone dental implant placement at Southern Dental Implant Center, serving Cordova, TN, and Memphis, TN, a member of our team will give you advice on how to clean and maintain your implants.  we discuss the best cleaning tools for implant-supported restorations.

Benefits of Proper Cleaning

Using the right tools and products to clean your implants and implant-retained prosthetic ensures the longevity of your investment. Without proper care, destructive plaque and bacteria may cause an infection. Peri-implantitis, although rare, can be a cause of implant failure. Beyond following the tips laid out in this blog post, regular visits to our Cordova dental practice for professional cleanings can ensure that bacteria-laden biofilm does not build up in your mouth.

For Single Implants

Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is one critical step to preventing peri-implantitis and other dental problems. A soft-bristled toothbrush is just as effective as medium- or hard-bristled brushes. The soft bristles are less likely to cause gum tissue recession, which can expose the implant or abutment that is beneath your crown.

Investing in a quality electric toothbrush can also allow you to remove plaque more efficiently. The high-frequency vibrations of an electric toothbrush can offer superior cleanings to manual brushes, and the two-minute timers are a great reminder to brush for an effective amount of time.

Other tips for cleaning your implant-supported crown or bridge include:

• Using a low-abrasive toothpaste that will be less likely to damage your restoration
• Taking time to clean each surface of your crown, including near the gum line
• Using an interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach places under the crown
• Using implant-specific floss (Our office can provide recommendations)
• Preventing gum disease by using an oral irrigator (water jet) to clean under the crown or bridge

For Removable Dentures

Each night, remove your denture and soak it in a denture-cleaning liquid for the recommended time. This is a good time to check for any missing or loose parts, which can be reported to our office. Use your soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the underside of the denture.

For All Implant-Retained Prosthetics

Both crowns and bridges can be cleaned using implant-specific floss. The cleaning device is designed specifically to reach under and around the restorations. Unlike traditional floss, the implant-specific device has two stiff ends that are made of nylon. The fuzzy middle area gently removes food particles and plaque from under the restoration. By using the floss right after brushing, you can benefit from the cleaning power of the toothpaste.

Schedule Your Implant-retained Restoration Consultation Today

By following these tips and visiting our office for cleanings and exams, you can ensure that your dental implants last a lifetime. During your visits to our office, one of our doctors can examine your implants to ensure that they are clean and healthy. If a member of our dental team notices dental problems like gum disease or teeth grinding, you can benefit from prompt treatments that restore your oral health.

To schedule your dental implant consultation, please contact our Cordova dental office online or call (901) 756-0078.