3 Tips for Improving the Longevity of Implant Supported Dentures

Implant supported dentures are an alternative form of dentures. Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth. When patients lose their teeth through decay, injury, or gum disease, dentures restore their smile and ability to chew, and prevent premature aging from lost teeth. Implant-supported dentures are in between adhesive dentures and full-arch dental implants. A set of dental implants supports the denture appliance, keeping it secure in the mouth.

To install implant supported false teeth, the dentist implants four to six titanium screws. Once the screws fuse with the patient's jawbone, the dentist attaches the set of teeth to the abutments.

How can patients care for implant supported dentures?

Patients may choose implant supported dentures because they continue to stimulate their gums and prevent bone loss, require little to no adjustment period, and feel and look like natural teeth. Appropriate care helps these restorations to last longer.

1. Brushing and flossing

Brushing should remain a part of a patient's daily routine. Most patients brush once in the morning and once at night. For dentures, patients should try to use soft-bristled brushes. Dentures are more delicate than natural teeth, and hard-bristled toothbrushes may cause scrapes and scratches on the restorations.

Patients should not forget to brush their tongues. While some people skip this step, the tongue holds a lot of bacteria. Germs on the tongue can reach the entire mouth, so brushing the tongue can help prevent bacteria growth.

Patients should floss but use caution. To floss, patients may require flossers designed for use with implant supported dentures. Some individuals choose unwaxed dental tape. Water flossing devices can also help individuals reach the spaces between their false teeth and gums. These devices have a variety of brush sizes to help clean a patient's specific restoration.

2. Professional cleanings

To maintain a patient's oral health and increase the longevity of false teeth, professional cleanings are necessary. Dentists have tools designed to work with various dental apparatuses. Additionally, during a cleaning, the dentist examines the gums and ensures that the tissues around the implants are healthy.

Caring for implant supported dentures may be more complicated than caring for natural teeth. Dental professionals can employ a combination of tools and techniques to prevent inflammation and plaque.

3. Interdental brushing

Interdental brushing removes plaque and pieces of food from between a patient's teeth. The brushes have small heads designed to reach the different gaps and spaces between a person's teeth that a standard toothbrush cannot reach. Interdental brushes in a variety of sizes. Dentures patients should use an interdental brush twice a day after brushing.

Conclusion

Implant supported dentures are a compromise between dental implants and traditional dentures. These restorations maintain the appearance of a person's natural teeth without compromising the ability to chew. The dental implants that support the dentures also fight against bone loss of the jaw. To keep dentures looking natural and functioning correctly, regular cleanings and maintenance are a requirement.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Supported Dentures in Brevard, NC.