Care for your New Dental Implants
Cleaning your dental implants is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing complications such as gum disease and infections. Here are some ways to clean your new All-on-4 (5-6-8) dental implants:
- Regular Brushing:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth, including the implants,
at least twice a day. - Brush gently to avoid damaging the implant or causing irritation to the surrounding gums.
- Avoid super cold or hot water.
- Interdental Brushes:
- Interdental brushes can be helpful in cleaning areas between the teeth and around the implants where a regular toothbrush may not reach.
- Choose an interdental brush that fits the space between the teeth and implants without causing discomfort.
- Flossing:
- Use dental floss or implant-specific floss to clean between the implants and around the base where they meet the gums. Goodness Dental prosthodontists recommend Oral-B Superfloss.
- Be gentle to avoid causing damage to the soft tissues.
- Water Flosser: (Also known as a Waterpik)
- A water flosser can be an effective tool for cleaning around All-on-4 implants.
- Adjust the pressure to a comfortable level and use the water stream to remove debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Follow directions on the packaging to use.
- Antimicrobial Mouthwash:
- Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and prevent infection.
- Choose a mouthwash that is compatible with dental implants and follow the instructions on the product. Please select a mouthwash without alcohol in it. Paradontax is an option recommended by our dental specialists.
- Regular Dental Check-ups:
- Schedule regular dental check-ups with your local dentist. They can monitor the health of your new dental implants and provide professional cleaning to remove any hardened plaque (tartar) that may have accumulated. Please visit your local dentist/hygienist every 6 months. They can also determine if you need cleanings more often. Ideally, a periodontist would perform this maintenance or a local dentist that is familiar with implant treatments.
- We recommend returning to Goodness Dental yearly to receive a professional dental implant cleaning. You can continue to visit your local dentist for care and cleaning, but we’d love to have you visit Goodness Dental.
- You will need two appointments for the disassembling and reassembling process. If your dental bridge has no issues, two appointments with the prosthodontist and one with the periodontist are needed to remove your dental bridge for cleaning and reassembling. All the appointments are generally on the same day. First, the prosthodontist removes the bridge, then the periodontist performs the cleaning. When completed, the prosthodontist will then re-insert the bridge.
- After the first professional cleaning, the dental bridge will need to be cleaned at least every 6 months or as recommended by the dentist. The bridges do not need to be removed or unscrewed every time.
- The cost for follow-up cleaning at Goodness Dental begins at $150 per arch.
- We recommend spending three days in Costa Rica, however this might change if there is any complication or failure.
- Avoid Harmful Habits:
- Avoid smoking and limit the consumption of staining substances, as they can affect the appearance of the implant-supported prosthetic.
- Refrain from biting on hard objects that could potentially damage the implants or prosthetic.
- Proper Nutrition:
- Maintain a healthy diet to support overall oral health. Nutrients like calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health, which can contribute to the stability of dental implants.
Remember, it’s essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist or oral care professional. Individual cases may vary, and your dentist can provide personalized advice based on your oral health needs. Regular and proper cleaning, along with professional dental care, will help ensure the longevity and success of All-on-4 (5-6-8) dental implants.