What does dental implant maintenance consist of?
The care of dental implants is essential for their proper functioning. If they are not properly supported as natural teeth are, they can develop gum inflammation, infections and loss of bone mass. In addition to the periodontal disease typical of implants, known as peri-implantitis, in which inflammation and infection occur around them.
The maintenance of dental implants is the set of care that a patient who has had prostheses placed on dental implants must follow. The maintenance begins the same day of the placement of the definitive prosthesis, by means of a control to supervise that there is a perfect balance between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw so that the implants are not forced by certain movements of the mouth.
New teeth do not suffer from caries but the gums may become infected by the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Therefore, the patient should brush his teeth two to three times a day, use dental floss, rinse his mouth with antibacterial liquids, undergo regular professional check-ups and cleanings and avoid smoking.
Brushing is one of the key points to follow a good maintenance of dental implants.
Recommendations for good dental implant maintenance
The first essential recommendation is to visit the dental specialist annually, since new teeth do not suffer caries but the gum could become infected due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Therefore, the patient should brush his teeth two to three times a day, use dental floss, rinse his mouth with antibacterial liquids, undergo periodic professional check-ups and cleanings and avoid smoking.
What will the revisions performed by the specialist consist of?
It is essential that the specialist performs periodic X-rays to check that the bone level around the implants is adequate. In addition, he/she should also evaluate the condition of the dental restorations around the implant to check that they are secure and functioning properly.