If you have just had your implantprosthesis inserted or are considering an implant prosthesis, you may be wondering what proceduresare necessary for the proper maintenance of your new prosthesis.Well, here's the whole story in a nutshell! The home care neededfor dental implants is probably more important than that requiredfor your natural teeth. The appliances that we fabricate on topof dental implants are wonders of engineering but unfortunately,can not be designed to be maintenance free. There are many areasaround the implants and the prosthesis that need special attentionto make sure that dental plaque does not accumulate. As with yourown teeth, plaque, a sticky substance that adheres to teethand is a breeding area for bacteria, must be removed at leastevery 12 hours to avoid potential periodontal ( peri-implant) disease. What are the tools needed to combat peri-implantdisease and how should they be implemented.
The care of your Implant Prosthesis consists of three steps:
Home plaque control is a critical component of yourimplant care. The following devices have proved extremely helpfulin plaque removal and as tools in the proper maintenance of dentalimplant/prostheses.
Individual Instruction sheets are available for each of the abovementioned cleaning aids. Your dentist and hygienist are also availableto assist you in any way they can. Remember, it's not the toolthat counts, but the elbow grease behind it.
The proper maintenance of your dental implant prosthesis mustbe a good blend of proper hygiene technique, appropriate instrumentationand adequate frequency. Your hygienist will suggest a suitablerecall schedule for you based upon the complexity of your dentalrestoration. She or he will also demonstrate each and every techniqueso that you can become familiar with the tools that are requiredfor implant care. Then it's up to you. With a little effort, yourdental implant prosthesis can provide you with years of comfort,satisfaction and service.