DENTAL
IMPLANTS
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
If you have just had
your implant prosthesis inserted or are considering an implant prosthesis,
you may be wondering what procedures are necessary for the proper maintenance
of your new prosthesis. Well, here's the whole story in a nutshell! The
home care needed for dental implants is probably more important than that
required for your natural teeth. The appliances that we fabricate on top
of dental implants are wonders of engineering but unfortunately, can not
be designed to be maintenance free. There are many areas around the implants
and the prosthesis that need special attention to make sure that dental
plaque does not accumulate. As with your own teeth, plaque, a sticky substance
that adheres to teeth and is a breeding area for bacteria, must be removed
at least every 12 hours to avoid potential periodontal ( peri-implant
) disease. What are the tools needed to combat peri-implant disease
and how should they be implemented.
The care of your
Implant Prosthesis consists of three steps:
-
Educating and training
you about proper oral hygiene techniques.
-
Removal of plaque and
calculus (tartar) on a regularly scheduled basis by your Hygienist.
-
Maintaining meticulous
oral hygiene between your recall visits.
Home plaque control
is a critical component of your implant care. The following devices have
proved extremely helpful in plaque removal and as tools in the proper maintenance
of dental implant/prostheses.
-
Soft Toothbrush
-
Dental Floss
-
Oral Irrigation Devices
-
Mouthwashes containing
essential oils
Individual Instruction
sheets are available for each of the above mentioned cleaning aids. Your
dentist and hygienist are also available to assist you in any way they
can. Remember, it's not the tool that counts, but the elbow grease behind
it.
The proper maintenance
of your dental implant prosthesis must be a good blend of proper hygiene
technique, appropriate instrumentation and adequate frequency. Your hygienist
will suggest a suitable recall schedule for you based upon the complexity
of your dental restoration. She or he will also demonstrate each and every
technique so that you can become familiar with the tools that are required
for implant care. Then it's up to you. With a little effort, your dental
implant prosthesis can provide you with years of comfort, satisfaction
and service.
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