Implant Cleaning and Maintenance from Dublin’s Expert Dentists

Dental implants are designed to look, feel and act just like real teeth, so it’s no surprise that they also require their own specialised hygiene and maintenance routine. However, in order to keep your dental implants strong and durable, you should provide them with their own special care routine, designed to ensure their long-term success. Without this, your implants may fail and need to be removed.

The most vital area to consider is the space between the gum and implant, which must be kept meticulously clean to avoid inflammation. A modern electric toothbrush is proven scientifically to remove plaque better than a manual toothbrush, so this may be worth investing in, as plaque is a major cause of inflammation.

While a thorough clean is essential, take care not to damage the gum around your implant. The pressure of your brushing should be firm, but not forceful. Remember to clean the back and inside of your implant too – this area can be easily forgotten, but it’s vital for the overall health of your implant.

If you do use a manual toothbrush, make sure that the brush head is not too large to clean the intricate surfaces of your implant and use to a gentle rhythmic action to brush. Soft or medium bristles are best, as hard bristles could cause damage, as could overly vigorous scrubbing.

It’s also a good idea to use specially-designed implant brushes, as these have smaller, angled heads which can clean in and around every surface of your implant. Implant brushes are inexpensive and an effective way of keeping your implant clean.

If you are considering an implant, but dental x-rays or CAT scans have shown that you have a thin jawbone due to bone loss, then a bone graft will be necessary. The amount of bone grafted will always be proportional to the number of implants required.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider a bone graft for aesthetic reasons. After losing several teeth, the face and jawline can begin to appear lined and sunken if steps are not taken to replace the missing teeth. A dental implant with the secure foundation of a bone graft will ensure this needless ageing won’t occur.

Ask any of our dental hygienists and they will tell you that interdental brushes are essential for thorough cleaning, as they allow you to clean where a regular toothbrush cannot: between the teeth. These slim, dexterous brushes come in a range of shapes and sizes, and will significantly reduce the amount of plaque on teeth, especially when dipped in antiseptic mouthwash beforehand.

Alternatively, you can use dental floss to clean the spaces between your teeth. While there are many varieties of floss and interdental brush available, the hygienists and skilled dentists at our Dublin dental clinic will be able to advise exactly which type is right for you and how best to use it! Please feel free to get in touch now to book an appointment with one of our team.

Another important tool for achieving great oral health is mouthwash. Again, there is a number of products available but we will be able to advise you on which type is best suited to your needs.

Don’t forget that routine dental check-ups and hygienist visits are vital for maintaining a healthy mouth. This will not only prolong the life of your implant but also your natural teeth.

Last but not least, it’s important for smokers to note that the single biggest cause of implant failure is smoking, so consider quitting if you want to stay healthy and have the best chance of keeping your teeth!