Dental implants are known for being permanent tooth replacement that offers a natural look and healthy functionality for a person’s oral health. Dental implants are designed to match your preferred tooth shade and can easily last a lifetime. However, inserting them and leaving them alone won’t result in the pristine forever look you want. Let’s explore the importance of brushing and flossing after dental implants and how you should approach the process.
What Happens if You Don’t Brush Your Dental Implants?
While your dental implants won’t physically decay like natural teeth, ignoring daily maintenance and regular dental visits can lead to dental implant failure. Lack of proper brushing and flossing techniques will result in peri-implantitis.
What is Peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an advanced gum disease that inflames the gums, shrinks the jawbone, and ultimately leads to dental implant failure. It’s important to take care of your dental implants through regular oral care and know the signs of developing peri-implantitis:
- Gum irritation
- Swollen, red tissue around your dental implants
- Plaque buildup on your remaining teeth
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing
When Can You Start Regular Oral Care After Dental Implants?
Investing in your smile through a procedure like All-On-4 dental implants means that you want your new teeth to last for life. So, to avoid issues like peri-implantitis, it’s only natural to start performing the right oral maintenance as soon as possible. However, starting an oral care routine too soon could jeopardize the integrity of your dental implants as they settle into their permanent placement. Never fear; the wait time to resume regular brushing is only 24 hours. However, cleaning your mouth by gently rinsing it with salt water is beneficial between surgery and your first brushing. Remember, the area around your surgical site will be vulnerable for a few weeks. So, avoid using any mouthwashes for at least 14 days.
Always Keep Brush Quality in Mind
We say keep your dental implant’s hygiene on the same level as your natural teeth. You should brush at least twice daily to stave off any residual bacteria around the dental implant. We recommend brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush after your dental implant surgery. Your brushing methods should be light and gentle and avoid irritating your gums. Once your implants have fully healed, investing in an electric toothbrush can ensure a more efficient brushing routine that gently stimulates soft tissue and can really get into the tight spaces within your implants that need a thorough cleaning.
Flossing is Still on the Menu
Dental implants can have hard-to-reach areas during the average brushing process. That’s why we encourage all dental implant patients to maintain a daily flossing regimen. Aside from reaching tight space with standard dental floss, products like floss threaders can help you weave food bits out of fixed bridges found within All-On-4 dental implants.
Build Your Perfect Smile with FastNewSmile® Dental Implant Center
New dental implants can boost confidence and leave you with a constant smile on your face. Dental implant surgery from FastNewSmile® Dental Implant Center brings you satisfaction in a day through our same-day dental implants. Whether you’re ready to eat your favorite foods or give yourself the smile you’ve always wanted, our dental implant procedure can make your dreams come true.