Caring for your implant, dentures and bridge

Whether you are new to having a denture/implant/bridge, or have had one for over 30 years, it is important to know how to care for it.  You've invested time and money into your restoration and we want to make sure that it lasts for many years and works well for you.

How to clean your partial denture or full denture:

It is important to remove your denture every night to allow for your tissues to have a break.  Always leave them soaking in water or denture soak to avoid dehydration and warping.  You may use a soft bristle brush and mild denture cleaning toothpaste to brush away food debris.  For partial dentures, be careful around the areas that come in contact with your teeth.  Natural teeth, as well as denture teeth, must be kept clean on a daily basis to reduce the risk of dental decay.  Use a fluoride toothpaste for natural teeth.  And remember: Brush two-times a day for two-minutes each.  AND FLOSS around natural teeth!

Many patients with full dentures think that they no longer need regular dental visits.  This is not true!  When your teeth are no longer present, your jaw and gums can shrink up to 1/32 of an inch every year.  Visiting your dentist every 6 months is still important.  Your dentist will check the fit of your denture as well as continue to check your oral tissues for serious oral diseases, like oral cancer.  When you visit our office, we will also clean your partial or full denture in our ultrasonic machine, at no additional cost.

How to clean around your bridge:

To prevent decay and provide longevity for your bridge be sure to brush and floss after eating and right before bedtime.  You may swish vigorously for at least 30 seconds with an alcohol-free, fluoride-containing mouth rinse.  An electric toothbrush is optimal, but a manual brush may also be used.  We also suggest a WaterFlosser to help get food debris out from under your bridge, as well as around and between your teeth.

Like dentures, visiting us every 6 months is important so that any problems can be found and corrected early.  Waiting too long may require redoing the entire restoration or finding a new solution to restore the area.

How to clean around your dental implant:

Brush and floss daily...especially at bedtime.  Yes...this is a reoccurring theme in today's blog!  Although the actual implant cannot get decay, you can still get periodontal disease which can lead to the implant failing due to inflammation that leads to tissue and bone loss around the implant.

Contact us right away if you experience any of the following:

• Implant feels loose
• Strange taste
• Clicking or metallic snap while eating
• Implant breaks
• Gum around implant is red or painful
• Your bite feels different

Again, early intervention and good homecare is key to the success of your dental implant.

Final Thoughts

Brush...Floss...Visit Dentist...REPEAT!

In all seriousness, we want your dental restoration(s) to last as long as possible and work well.  Keeping them clean, your remaining natural teeth clean, and your tissues healthy is the best defense.  Visiting for regular check-ups is also a very important part for the longevity of your restoration and health of your mouth.