How to Clean Your Implant-Supported Dental Bridge?
An implant-supported dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace missing teeth. While a traditional dental bridge uses your natural teeth as anchors, implant-supported dentures use implants as the anchors. So, if you have several missing teeth, then our Port Melbourne dentist may recommend implant-supported bridges. An implant is placed within the bone to serve as an artificial root with a crown, or in this case, a bridge, attached to it.
With implants, there is no natural tooth to decay, but they can lose bone support if not cared for properly. Since dental implants are placed directly in the bone, it is imperative that you have a thorough and dedicated cleaning routine.
If you don’t maintain good oral hygiene, plaque can build up and cause gum disease, eventually resulting in implant failure (if left untreated).
That’s not something you want after investing in your smile, right? With proper care and maintenance, your implant-supported dental bridge will last long.
However, maintaining an implant-supported dental bridge is not something that you should do alone. Sure, daily brushing and flossing at home is important, but not without regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings. The team at PMD Dental Care in Port Melbourne uses special instruments that can effectively clean around your implant without causing any damage.
Cleaning Your Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
Taking care of your implant-supported dental bridge isn’t a challenging task. It needs the same care your natural teeth do and consistency in your oral hygiene routine. Here’s how you can clean your implant-supported dental bridge:
Brush Your Teeth
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. When brushing, tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to ensure the bristles are cleaning right along the edge of the bridge. Make sure to pay attention to all areas of your teeth including the front, back, biting surfaces and the gum line when brushing. Most importantly, be gentle when brushing because aggressive brushing, especially at the gum line, can cause gum recession.
Floss!
Since your toothbrush can’t reach all the areas in your mouth, it’s important to also floss your teeth at least once daily. You can use a floss threader along with traditional floss for effective cleaning of your implant-supported dental bridges. Make sure to clean under the dental bridge as well as around it.
Using a water or air flosser is also a good idea, especially if you have trouble using traditional floss.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to remove bacteria and plaque buildup. Using a mouthwash after brushing and flossing will help wash away any loose particles of food left behind in your mouth.
Don’t Miss Your Regular Dental Check-up!
Regular check-ups every 6 months are a great way to make sure your oral health and dental restorations are in good condition. During these check-ups, we will assess your mouth and dental restorations to identify any warning signs, damage or wear. Caught early on, dental problems are much more easier to treat.
Following that, we will perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. The frequency of cleaning will vary depending on the individual. However, we typically recommend getting your implant-supported denture bridge cleaned at least twice a year.
When you have an implant, it is important to see PMD Dental Care in Port Melbourne regularly to help ensure longevity and optimal health. We’ll provide you with tips and tricks to help you with proper implant maintenance.