Caring for Your Gums Under Implant Supported Dentures
Implant supported dentures have become the number one choice for millions of people. Instead of dealing with standard dentures, these wear better and last longer. If you want to have these implanted, it is important to learn how to keep your mouth healthy. This especially applies to the gums, which help support the titanium screws and dentures.
Proper care and maintenance
Both a single-unit and full implant require proper maintenance and care. Although these are not a person’s actual teeth, the individual needs to treat them as such. Good oral hygiene will go a long way in preventing issues. Not only does this mean caring for the “teeth” but also for the implants and the gums.
Daily routine
Just as someone should brush and floss permanent teeth after every meal, the same applies for implant supported dentures. In addition, a waterpik works incredibly well for eliminating food particles around the gumline. This type of cleaning also prevents the buildup of plaque and bacteria. A few simple steps are all it takes to keep a mouth healthy.
As part of cleaning, people with implant supported dentures need to see a dentist at least once a year. During that time, the dental professional will take X-rays and check for a proper fit. If necessary, the dentist can perform a reline. That tightens the fit between the dentures and gums. As a result, there is no risk of rubbing and irritation. A dental hygienist will also thoroughly clean the dentures, including around the gumline.
Different challenges
Implant supported dentures that reside on fewer than four titanium screws are removable. That makes cleaning along the gumline much easier. For dentures on four or more screws, people face a greater challenge. Both a dental scraping tool and waterpik work great for cleaning. For the waterpik, the individual would place the tip of the nozzle between the dentures and gum tissue.
When doing this, it is important to keep the tongue to one side. Also, people need to spray from both outside and inside the cheek area. That way, they can flush out all debris. Although implant supported dentures fit snugly to the gumline, there is still a slight gap. This is the area that people need to focus on the most when cleaning.
Choosing the right toothpaste for implant supported dentures
Even the type of toothpaste a person uses matters. For instance, if an individual has implant supported dentures made of zirconia, a non-abrasive toothpaste is fine. However, if made of acrylic titanium, people want to avoid toothpaste altogether. Instead, they can dip the toothbrush in mouthwash that contains fluoride and brush. As for the type of toothbrush, always select one with soft bristles. Not only will this prevent scratches on the dentures but also make it easier to reach around the gumline.
The importance of good cleaning
Considering that implant supported dentures attach to both the jawbone and gum tissue, a good cleaning is essential. This includes paying attention to the area where the implant comes into contact with the gum. By following the steps mentioned, people can avoid accidental scrapes. Along with discomfort, tiny abrasions in the gum tissue could turn into an infection. If that happens, the individual now has a more serious problem on hand.
Protect your gums
By keeping your gums in good shape, implant supported dentures will remain firmly in place. One of the reasons for needing a reline has to do with gum issues. Take care of your new dentures, so you can smile with pride for decades to come. Talk to your dentist to see if you qualify.
Request an appointment here: https://www.emersondental.com or call Emerson Dental Associates at (201) 620-9998 for an appointment in our Emerson office.
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