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Want to make your full mouth dental implants last for decades?
Millions of dollars are spent each year on a brand new smile, just to lose it 10 years later due to poor oral hygiene habits. Dental implants are strong…really strong. But they can still fail.
Here’s the good news:
By following a few easy care tips you can maintain your investment and keep your new smile looking fabulous for 25+ years.
Here’s what’s coming up:
- Why Implant Care Matters So Much
- Daily Habits That Protect Full Mouth Dental Implants
- Foods And Habits To Avoid
- When To See Your Dentist
Let’s jump in!
Why Implant Care Matters So Much
Full mouth dental implants cost are one of the largest investments you can make into your mouth.
And they are well worth it.
Latest studies have revealed that the All-on-4 prosthetic survival rate is 98.8%….so the odds are VERY good…..as long as they are maintained properly.
But here’s the problem:
Even great implants can fail without daily maintenance. Bacteria accumulates at the bottom of the implants. Your gums become swollen. The bone that anchors your implants begins to recede. And eventually your implants become loose.
Thinking about getting All-on-4®️ dental implants in Show Low, AZ for your full mouth restoration? Learn how to care for them properly once they are placed. Proper care begins the day your new smile is placed — not years down the road.
Approximately 3 million Americans have dental implants today. Each year, that number increases. Patients who practice basic care guidelines can expect their implants to last a lifetime. Those who neglect the fundamentals may wind up spending money on future repairs (or replacement).
Daily Habits That Protect Full Mouth Dental Implants
Looking after full mouth dental implants is not complicated.
Actually, your daily routine will be very similar to how you would care for natural teeth with only a few minor adjustments.
Here are the daily habits that matter most:
Brush Twice A Day (The Right Way)
This is the most important habit on the list.
Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Abrasive toothbrushes and gritty toothpaste will scratch your implant restorations over time. The scratches make them more likely to build-up plaque.
Brush for two minutes. Remember to focus on the gum line where the implants meet your gums. This is a place bacteria like to collect.
A few quick tips:
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line
- Use gentle circular motions
- Don’t scrub aggressively
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
One of the best ways to brush full mouth implants is with an electric toothbrush. The pressure and movement allows for a superior clean than most manual brushing.
Floss Every Single Day
Flossing around implants is non-negotiable.
However dental tape can be difficult to use around full mouth restorations. For most people the results are much better with:
- Water flossers (also called oral irrigators)
- Implant-specific floss
- Interdental brushes
- Soft floss threaders
The objective is to clean under the restoration where debris, food & bacteria become trapped. If you bypass this step you are allowing bacteria to colonize directly next to your implants.
Rinse With Antimicrobial Mouthwash
A good antimicrobial mouthwash gives you an extra layer of protection.
…It gets to areas your brush and floss can’t reach and kills bacteria that lead to peri-implant disease. Just be sure to select an alcohol-free version. Alcohol can dry out your gums and lead to irritation around your implants.
Foods And Habits To Avoid
Some habits are downright bad for your full mouth dental implants.
Behold, the two types that cause them to wear out prematurely, create the possibility for problems, and decrease longevity of your purchase.
Stay away from:
- Hard foods: Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels and bones can crack or chip the restoration
- Sticky foods: Caramel and taffy can pull at the restoration and damage it
- Smoking: Tobacco use is one of the biggest causes of implant failure
- Teeth grinding: Untreated bruxism puts huge pressure on your implants
- Chewing things: Opening packaging or biting your nails is a quick way to destroy your restoration
Smoking deserves a special mention here.
Smoking decreases blood flow to your gums and hinders healing. Tobacco use also dramatically increases your risk for peri-implantitis, the leading cause of implant failure.
If you grind your teeth while you sleep, discuss a night guard with your dentist. Years of grinding can exert thousands of pounds of pressure on your implants, wearing them down prematurely.
When To See Your Dentist
Daily care at home is half the battle.
The other half? Regular dental check-ups.
Patients with full mouth dental implants should visit their dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and exam appointment just like you would normally. At these appointments your dentist will:
- Check the health of your gums around each implant
- Clean areas that you cannot reach at home
- Take x-rays to check the bone surrounding your implants
- Inspect the restoration for wear or damage
- Catch small issues before they become big problems
Peri-implantitis is one of the leading causes of implant failure. This disease affects around 19.5% of implant patients. It causes inflammation to the gums and bone loss around the implants.
The scary part?
Peri-implantitis is usually asymptomatic. Your dentist can detect it at an annual check-up years before you feel pain or notice symptoms. That is why those 6 month appointments are so important.
Please schedule an appointment ASAP if you experience any of these symptoms between visits:
- Bleeding gums around your implants
- Swelling or redness near the implant site
- Pain when you chew
- A loose feeling implant
- Bad breath that won’t go away
The Bottom Line
Full mouth dental implants can last a lifetime when you treat them right.
It really comes down to a few simple habits:
- Brush twice a day with the right tools
- Floss every day around every implant
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash
- Avoid hard foods, smoking and teeth grinding
- See your dentist every 6 months
Maintaining these habits can preserve your investment and ensure your smile functions properly for years to come.
Skip these habits and you are risking thousands of dollars. Stick with them and you can have a new smile for life.
It really is that simple.
