One of the most important things Dr. Kissel wants his patients to be aware of when considering All on 4 dental implants is how to properly clean their new teeth on a daily basis. While they do not require much care, it is important that you take the steps necessary to ensure you are able to enjoy them for the rest of your life.
How to Clean All on 4 Dental Implants
The best way to get the most out of your new All on 4 dental implants and avoid complications such as inflammation or periodontal disease is to keep your new teeth and your gums clean. Because food particles can become trapped beneath the base of the All-on-4 prosthesis, patients with these implants risk infection if they do not regularly clean their teeth.
To keep your All-on-4 dental implants clean, Dr. Kissel recommends his patients follow these steps:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth. The soft bristles are less likely to cause damage to your new All-on-4 dental implants. You can choose a manual or electric toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Brush your teeth twice a day. It’s important to brush your teeth in the morning when you wake up and before you go to bed at night in order to remove bacteria from your dental implants. Dr. Kissel recommends his patients also try to brush their teeth after meals if possible.
- Floss your teeth once a day. While you can use traditional dental floss for your All-on-4 dental implants, Dr. Kissel recommends his patients invest in a water flosser. This gentle method is a more effective way of flossing dental implants.
- Use crown and bridge floss. Using two strong nylon ends and fluffy middle, this floss is designed to gently scrub the surface of the All-on-4 dental implants and gumline.
- Use low-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid using toothpaste that contains baking soda or stain-removing agents. These types of toothpaste can wear down your new dental crowns and make them appear dull. Dr. Kissel can provide you with toothpaste recommendations if you need some suggestions.
- Use the rubber-tip stimulator on your water flosser. This attachment gently removes food particles beneath your All-on-4 dental implants. Be careful to use the medium or low settings when cleaning in this area to avoid separating tissue from the dental implant.
- Use a sulcus brush. This specially designed toothbrush is ⅓ the width of a regular toothbrush and provides better cleaning in hard-to-reach places.
Tips for Prolonging the Life of All on 4 Dental Implants
Because your All-on-4 dental implants and new prosthetic crowns are made from strong materials, they cannot decay. However, it’s important to remember that your gums and jawbone are supporting your implants, and they are susceptible to decay.
Beyond daily cleaning, there are some additional tips Dr. Kissel has that can prolong the life of your All-on-4 dental implants:
- Visit your general dentist regularly for biannual cleanings
- Avoid cleansers that contain bleach and chlorine
- Seek treatment for teeth grinding
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products
Dr. Kissel has many years of experience placing All-on-4 dental implants with great success using advanced microsurgery techniques. With his methods, your experience will be comfortable, and your recovery will be quick.
If you have any questions regarding the care of your All-on-4 dental implants, call his office today at (212) 702-9088 or contact him online.
