Looking After Your Dental Implant - An Absolute Guide!

It doesn't matter what type of implant you have, how well you care for it is critical to it's long term success.

Dental Implants can may cleaning more difficult, even though the teeth themselves aren't made of enamel and dentine like real teeth, it is extremely important to keep them free from plaque to prevent peri-implant disease which is an inflammation in the gums around the implants.

This peri-implantitis is caused by bacterial plaque which forms constantly in the mouth. The plaque needs to be removed regularly, or it can build up along the gum line and cause redness and swelling. If it is allowed to continue to form, it extends below the gum line, becomes unreachable with normal brushing and hardens into calculus (tartar) which attracts more plaque!

In time, this can cause the bone around the implant to break down  and the implant can become loose.

So, what can you do to look after your implant?

• Start brushing around your implant as soon after surgery as you are able and brush twice daily
• Clean "underneath" any implant retained crowns or bridges to remove any debris which can accumulate and cause problems.
• You may need a special brush to clean the area where the implant crown meets the gum - your dentist or hygienist can advise you on this.
• Tooth brushing cleans all of the flat surfaces of the implant crown surfaces, but to reach the inside surfaces an interdental brush is recommended. Different sizes are available, and it is recommended that you take advice from your hygienist to find the size suitable for you.
• Specialist brushes and floss can be especially useful

So, care of your implant is vital, but also individual. Please seek advice from your dentist or hygienist to ensure the long term success of your smile.