Cleaning Implant Supported Dentures

To preserve the integrity of your implant supported denture and continue to enjoy good oral health, it is important to commit to following good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. If your implant supported denture is fixed, you will not need to make any further modifications to your self-care routine; however, if the denture is removable, it is important to remove and clean the denture thoroughly and to clean around the components, gums, and artificial teeth. You should also store the denture in a container while you sleep to prevent infections and reduce your risk of damaging your denture.

It is also important to eat a balanced diet, lead a healthy lifestyle, and schedule regular dental checkups at least every six months. Scheduling these regular checkups allows your dentist or periodontist to monitor the status of your implant supported dentures and your overall oral health. During these checkups, you will also receive a professional cleaning, which will help ensure that you continue to enjoy good oral health.

Aftercare Instructions

It is important to follow aftercare instructions throughout the implant supported denture process to minimize risk of complications, avoid damaging parts of your implant, and enjoying a fast recovery process. It is common to have some post procedural-pain and swelling following the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and placing icepacks on the swollen area for fifteen-minute intervals. If you are prescribed medication or antibiotics following the procedure, be sure to take as prescribed until the prescription runs out.

During the recovery period, it is also important to follow these steps until the healing process is complete:

• Avoid brushing or touching the surgical area
• Follow a soft food diet for two or up to six weeks, slowly reintroducing hard foods as you heal
• Avoid foods that are extremely cold or hot
• Do not spit or use a straw for at least 24 hours following surgery
• Avoid tobacco or alcohol
• Avoid or limit physical activity for 24-72 hours or longer if possible

How Long Will My Implant Supported Dentures Last?

Several factors will inform the longevity of your implant supported dentures, one of the most important being where the implant is located. Implants towards the back of your mouth endure more strain than those at the front and are more likely to wear down as a result. Your lifestyle habits will also determine the longevity of your implants, such as your diet, oral hygiene habits, and whether you have underlying medical or oral health issues. Finally, implant supported dentures can be damaged unnecessarily by engaging in risky behavior, such as opening bottles with your teeth, biting on pencils, or using your teeth to open packages. In short: the better care you take of your implant supported dentures, the longer they will last.

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