Initially dental implants were only used to replace an individual tooth that was lost to severe tooth decay or deep fracture. Over the course of the past two decades, dental implant technology and techniques have continued to advance. Now they can also be used to implant a bridge to replace one or more lost teeth that were lost in a single part of your mouth.
Even though your new bridge and the titanium abutments that anchor it in place are not subject to tooth decay, it will still require routine care and cleaning. Plaque and food particles can build up on your bridge as well as near the gum line. If it is not cleaned on a daily basis it will harden into dangerous tartar, which is the primary cause of gum disease. Left unchecked gum disease can weaken one or more of the abutments that anchor your implants in place.
To prevent this from happening you will need to brush and floss around the bridge twice each day. You can then rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and wash away any loose food particles. If you are having trouble cleaning plaque and food particles from around the bridge you might want to try using a waxed floss threader, interdental brushes or a dental water jet.
Your regular dental checkup, involves a cleaning procedure that will remove any hardened tartar, and monitor the implant as well as the health of your gums.
If you have questions about the best way to maintain your implants, please feel free to call us at [phone] to schedule an appointment.