How to Clean Dental Implants

Over 5.7% of Americans have a dental implant, and that number increases by approximately 500,000 every year. They’re one of the most natural ways to replace missing teeth and have up to a 95% success rate.

Knowing how to clean dental implants is the best way to ensure they’re as successful as possible. It keeps them looking like natural teeth and prevents painful complications.

Read our dental implants guide to learn what they are and how to clean them.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a post that substitutes the root of a lost or damaged tooth. It can be made of almost any metal, but the most typical one is titanium.

An abutment sits on or is built into the implant to connect it to the replacement tooth. A crown goes on top of it to make it look natural.

These traditional methods are used to replace a single lost tooth, but other types of implants cover a larger area.

All on 4 dental implants are made up of 4 titanium posts in the jaw that work together to support each other. They’re more affordable and natural than dentures for patients with healthy bones and gums.

The cost of all on 4 implants depends on factors such as the location of the teeth, your overall health, the materials used, and whether or not you have any complications. Not all insurance companies cover them.

How to Clean Dental Implants

Cleaning dental implants is essential to prevent complications such as peri-implant bone loss and peri-implantitis. These conditions appear in almost 56% of cases and cause implant loss and painful inflammation.

Start by asking your dentist how to clean dental implants. They’ll know the steps you need to take based on the type and number they’ve put in your mouth.

There are also general guidelines to follow. If you have single implants, the process is similar to cleaning your natural teeth. The difference is that it requires a few extra tools to remove plaque and debris.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day and brush under and around the crown with low-abrasive toothpaste. Don’t forget to also use a water flosser or crown and bridge floss once a day.

If you have all on 4 implants, the process of keeping them clean is almost the same. Just make sure to remove debris that gets stuck between the bridge and gumline using a rubber-tip stimulator and a sulcus brush.

Where to Learn More About Dental Implants

Implants are one of the most natural and effective ways to replace lost teeth. They have a high success rate but can fail in some cases.

Knowing how to clean dental implants ensures they last as long as possible. Brush them regularly with the right brush and toothpaste and floss them as well. Depending on the type of implant you have, you may need a few other important tools such as water flossers, rubber-tip stimulators, and a sulcus brush.

Read the rest of our content to learn more about your dental implant options.